Russian Czars of the 1800's

Last of the Romanovs

Alexander I- 1801-1825

Social- gives Poland a constitution and talks about liberal reforms, but ends up being a strict, harsh ruler.

Political- Congress of Vienna

Nicholas I- 1825-1855

Strict and harsh ruler; has to arrest all liberal movements that were encouraged by Alexander I

Military-invades Turkey- Crimean War causes a military humiliation for Russia

Alexander II-1855-1881

Social-Frees the serfs (1861) and tries other social reforms

Political- has to put down a revolt in Poland (1863) and as a result of these reforms, he has to put down territorial activities at home; is assassinated in 1881 by the terrorists

Alexander III-1881-1894

Social- Reacts strongly to the death of his father and organizes a police force to crush the terrorists. It also is the period of industrialization in Russia.

1801- Alexander I becomes Czar

1815- Congress of Vienna

Nicholas I becomes Czar

Crimean War

1855- Alexander II becomes Czar

1861- Alexander II frees the serfs

Alexander II puts down a revolt in Poland

1881- Alexander II is assassinated

Alexander III becomes Czar (see below)

1894- Nicholas II becomes Czar

Alexander III (1881-1894) could see that his father's reforms had resulted in increased opposition and, eventually, death. During his reign he tried to turn the clock back and reinstate the policy of "Autocracy, Orthodoxy, and Nationalism." Under the guidance of his chief adviser, Constantine Pobedonostsev (1827-1907), Alexander pursued a policy of censorship, regulation of schools and universities, and increased secret police activities.