We dedicate this album to the great Romanov dynsasty.

Michael

Michael was the first Romanov czar of Russia. Michael was elected to his position in 1613 after the Time of Troubles. Michael was only 16 years old when he became czar and was poorly educated at the time of his coronation. He ruled alongside his father, Philaret, starting in 1916 and together they helped stabilize Russia after a period of economic and political harship.

Alexis

Tsar Alexis, son of Michael, was the second tsar of Russia and ascended to the throne after his father's death in 1645. Under his reign, Russia engaged in many wars with Sweeden, Poland, and Iran that expanded Russia's territory. The Russian Orthodox Chruch also endured a schism during his reign, but he was a largly popular ruler.

Peter the Great

Peter the Great ruled alongside his half-brother, Ivan V, until his precarious health allowed Peter to take total control of the government after Ivan's sister was removed from power in 1676. During his reign, Peter the Great introduced reforms aimed at promoting modernization and trade with western nations, which strengthened Russia's economy. Peter the Great succeeded in turning Russia into a world power and was immensely popular.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth took power when she and members of the Russian court who wanted to lessen Germany's influence over Russian politics overthrew the emperor and installed Elizabeth as empress. Her reign, spanning from 1741 to 1762, is considered a return to the principles of Peter the Great, however, Elizabeth left most of the governing to her advisors which left Russia's financial situation in despair. She did however further modernize Russia with Western customs, traditions, and art.

Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great took power after the hugely unpopular monarch before her, Peter III, abdicated the throne and was assassinated by supporters of Catherine. She was then crowned empress in 1762 and continued working to modernize Russia. Russia needed money after Elizabeth's rule, so she sold the clergy's lands off which also served to decimate the church's influence and cement her as the central power in Russia.

Alexander I

Alexander I took power in 1801 after his father, Paul I was assassinated by nobles unhappy with his rule. Paul's reign was not a good one, and many problems arose in Russia. Alexander I was determined to fix those problems and institute liberal reforms. His main accomplishment was creating a system of public education that opened schools, trained teachers, and established 3 new universities. Alexander also defeated Napoleon's army using the Scorched Earth Policy, proving that Napoleon wasn't invincible.