Information about Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. Board of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. Brief biographical note

The future Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, nicknamed the Quietest, was born on March 17, 1676. Since he was to rule a huge state in the near future, he was taught to read and write, write and church singing from childhood. By the age of 11, he had already formed his own personal library, albeit a small one.

When Alexei was 14 years old, he was shown to the people, and during his 16th birthday he ascended the throne. All this time, boyar Boris Morozov was his guardian. Therefore, at the beginning of his reign, not knowing about the intricacies of solving state issues, he always consulted with his guardian. But later he nevertheless began to deal with state affairs on his own. At this time, his character was formed, which was noted by many contemporaries in the nickname "Quiet". The king was a good-natured and pleasant person. His main library consisted of church books, which developed a certain religiosity in his character.

Although sometimes all the same, he also had flashes of anger and anger. But then he always tried to appease the people he might offend with his sudden anger. Alexey had good empathic abilities - he never left the joys and sorrows of his people without attention. Being an educated man, he read a lot. He had many ideas and plans. The king even tried to reform the army himself.

Thanks to the intrigues arranged by Morozov, the Russian Tsar married the creature of his guardian - Marya Miloslavskaya. As a result, Morozov was brought to the fore. But the tsar realized after the Salt Riot that Morozov was not the best candidate to govern the state. During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, there were many different incidents in which he took a direct part. This is the split of the church as a result of the reforms of Patriarch Nikon, and the Russian-Polish war for Ukraine, and various peasant riots on the territory of the state.

As a result of his reign, the king carried out a military reform and was able to introduce regiments of a new order. The experience of foreign specialists was used, which helped to improve the condition of the Russian army. He also carried out, albeit unsuccessful, but still a landmark for the history of monetary reform. New coins were put into circulation.

Also, the result of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich was the attachment of peasants to their place of residence, the reform of the army, money and the church, as well as the victory in the Russian-Polish war and the annexation of new lands to the Russian state.

After the death of his wife in 1669, the tsar remarried Natalia Naryshkina. But after his death in 1676, this led to fierce disputes for the throne, not only between Naryshkina's son Peter and Miloslavskaya's daughter Sophia, but also hostility between the two families as a whole.

Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, who ascended the throne in 1645, was the second ruler from the Romanov dynasty and the tenth sovereign in Russia.

The son grew up surrounded by "mothers", and his "uncle" was a famous boyar. At the age of thirteen, the crown prince is "announced" to the people, and after the death of his father, he ascends the throne. At first, the state was practically ruled by his mentor, and not by the still young and inexperienced king.

In fact, he begins to reign from 1950, he reads petitions and other documents, edits important decrees. He personally signed decrees, personally participated in military campaigns, for example, near Vilna, Riga, Smolensk, led the negotiations, which no tsar had done before him.

Alexei Mikhailovich the Quietest, and that is how the second sovereign in Russia was unofficially called, was very educated, spoke several languages. He was characterized as a dignified, meek, God-fearing and handsome person who was destined to rule in a very difficult time, which began with the Time of Troubles and passed through the Razin uprising and the “salt” and “copper” riots of the Cossacks.

Already from the first year of his reign, Alexei Mikhailovich tried to turn the Kremlin into a palace, admiring with its beauty, with many domes sparkling with gold. By his order, the walls of the Kremlin were pasted over with gilded pieces of leather, and instead of traditional shops, chairs and armchairs were arranged according to the “foreign” model. At the same time, the Kolomna Palace, which burned down a hundred years later, was also built. Preserved only in miniatures, it impresses with its grandeur and luxury.

Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich remained in history as the antipode of IV. The time of his reign is considered the time of the restoration of the Russian autocracy. It was after him that the definition of "autocrat" was attached to the title of Russian sovereigns. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, as a statesman, largely predetermined the increase in the tsar's role in literally all spheres, and first of all, the role of the monarch as commander in chief.

The second of the Romanov family - Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich - unlike his predecessors, had personal experience in direct command of the troops, which he acquired during the Russian-Polish company. He focused on issues of equipping and manning the army, intervening in all personnel issues, etc.

The tsar attached no less importance to the idea of ​​the succession of the power of the Romanovs from the Rurikovichs. Upon accession to the throne, it was important for him to prove that in Russia there was not only the process of the formation of a completely new dynasty, but also the restoration of the previous one, since it was its termination that was considered the cause of all the troubles that befell the country at the turn of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, including the Time of Troubles. . Now, after the strengthening of the Russian autocracy, doubts about the legitimacy of the Romanov family have subsided.

It was Alexei Mikhailovich who turned Russia into a truly Orthodox state. Under him, many Orthodox relics saved from Muslims began to be brought from distant lands.

Alexei was married to Maria Miloslavskaya, with whom he made thirteen heirs, including the future sovereigns Ivan, Peter, Fedor, and Alexei also died at the end of January 1676, before reaching the age of 48

The Quietest left to his children a fairly powerful state, already recognized abroad, and continuing the work of his father, he completed the process of establishing a monarchy and created a great empire.

Alexey Mikhailovich
(1629-1676)
Reigned 1645-1676

“Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was a kind man, a glorious Russian soul. I am ready to see in him the best person of Ancient Russia, at least I don’t know another ancient Russian person who would make a more pleasant impression - but not on the throne.

V. O. Klyuchevsky. "Course of Russian History".

Alexei Mikhailovich, second tsar of the Romanov dynasty, son of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich and Empress Evdokia Streshneva. Tsar Alexei ascended the throne at the age of sixteen. Under him, his tutor, the boyar B. I. Morozov, began to play the main role in governing the state. Sacredly honoring all the precepts of antiquity, Alexei Mikhailovich loved the ancient Russian way of life. He was deeply and sincerely religious. For his kindness and responsiveness to the misfortune and suffering of people, Alexei Mikhailovich received the nickname "the quietest tsar" during his lifetime.

Ruddy, with penetrating blue eyes and a dark blond, slightly reddish tint, beard, strong build, thanks to his frequent stay during falconry in the fresh air, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, blooming with health, made a majestic and at the same time pleasant impression on everyone around him with his whole appearance. .

Alexey Mikhailovich was married to Maria Ilyinichna Miloslavskaya. The marriage with her took place on January 16, 1648. Eight daughters and five sons were born from this marriage. Only six daughters and two sons (princes Fedor and Ivan) survived their father.

On March 2, 1669, Tsarina Maria Ilyinichna died, and on January 22, 1671, the Tsar married Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina, who in a year would become the mother of the future Emperor of Russia, Peter I. Alexei Mikhailovich reigned for almost 31 years. After his death, difficulties began with the succession to the throne.

QUESTIONNAIRE

- the level of education
elementary literacy, foreign language, theology, philosophy, sacred music. Uncles-educators: boyar B. I. Morozov, V. N. Streshnev. Teachers: clerk V. S. Prokofiev, clerk G. V. Lvov.

- Knowledge of foreign languages
Latin, Polish

- Political Views
ideas of autocracy of the king, tight control over the activities of central institutions.

- wars and results
with Poland (1654-1667) Poland's recognition of the accession of Ukraine to Russia. With Sweden (1656-1658) for access to the Baltic Sea and the mastery of Livonia. Statement of the boundaries of 1617.

- reforms and counter-reforms
the creation of a code of state laws (the Code of 1649), monetary reform, the organization of a mass investigation of fugitive peasants, the reorganization of customs fees in the interests of the domestic merchant class, the introduction of troops of the new system.

- cultural undertakings
organization of public schools for the education of clerks at the Zaikonospassky monastery, palace theaters.

- Correspondents (correspondence)
with Patriarch Nikon, Archbishop Lazar Baranovich of Chernigov, A. S. Matveev, A. L. Ordin-Nashchokin, N. I. Odoevsky, sisters.

- travel geography
during the war he visited a number of Lithuanian cities. Pilgrimage trips to distant monasteries.

- leisure, entertainment, habits
hunting, court theater, chess. Strict observance of all religious rites.

- sense of humor
somewhat rough

- appearance
short and stocky. Face slightly puffy, low forehead. The features are soft, pleasant, wore a small beard and mustache.

- temperament
good-natured, cheerful, quick-tempered, but quick-tempered.

Literature

Alekseev A. Furious Zealots. Muscovite Rus in the 17th century// Science and life. - 2009. - N 11. - S. 98-104; N 12. - S. 66-73. : ill.
On the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich.

Alexei Mikhailovich (1645-1676)// Illustrated history of Russia before Peter the Great. - St. Petersburg, 1994. - S. 266-292.

Andreev I. "Reliable hunter"// Science and life. - 1998. - N 7. - S. 140-147.
About falconry of Russian tsars.

Andreev I. Netikhiy Quietest// Motherland. - 1998. - N 9. - S. 39-43.
About the personality of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, as he was perceived in the 17th century.

Andreev I. The obstinate patriarch// Science and life. - 2004. - N 6. - S. 112-120.
The article about the confrontation between Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich and Patriarch Nikon was written based on the book by I. L. Andreev "Alexey Mikhailovich".

Andreev I. L. Father and son// Knowledge is power. - 2004. - N 2. - S. 121-123.
Comparative characteristics of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich and Peter I.

Bakhrevsky V. A. The quietest: a historical novel. - Moscow: Sov. writer, 1984. - 350 p. : ill.
About Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

Bestuzheva-Lada S. The quietest converter// Change. - 2013. - N 1. - S. 4-25. : ill.
On the transformations of Alexei Mikhailovich.

Bobrov R. Hunting pleasures amateur// Hunting and hunting economy. - 2002. - N 2. - S. 12-13.
About the hunter and connoisseur of hunting Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

Burlinova A. Quietest// Knowledge is power. - 2004. - N 2. - S. 117-120.
About Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, nicknamed the Quietest.

Bushuev S. V. "The quietest" king and his reign// History of the Russian state / S. V. Bushuev. - Moscow, 1994. - S. 112-126.

Vilkov V. A. Alexey Mikhailovich// All rulers of Russia: Grand dukes, tsars, emperors, general secretaries, presidents / V. A. Vilkov, Yu. G. Stepanov. - Moscow: Ripol classic, 2008. - S. 273-279. : ill.

Foreign policy of Russia under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich// Three centuries: Russia from the Troubles to Our Time: a historical collection (in 6 volumes) / ed. V. V. Kallash. - Moscow, 1991. - T. 2. - S. 106 -139.

Gusev A.V. A man in history: Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich// Teaching history at school. - 2003. - N 5. - S. 30-36.
Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov as a personality of the late Russian Middle Ages.

Zimin I. Royal hunting// Motherland. - 2010. - N 12. - S. 146-155. : ill., phot.
About Alexei Mikhailovich's passion for hunting.

Ikonnikova A. Queens and princesses from the house of the Romanovs: historical sketch by A. Ikonnikova. - [Reprint. reproduction ed. 1914]. - Moscow: Nar. book, 1991. - 125, II, p. - (Ser. "Past"; 1).
Autocracy in the Russian state.

Alexey Mikhailovich// History of the Fatherland in faces: From ancient times to the end of the XVII century. : Biographical Encyclopedia. - Moscow., 1993. - S. 113-174.

What fun has an hour?// Around the world. - 2004. - N 2. - S. 54.
Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich made a clarification to the "Book, the verb of the Officer: a new code and arrangements for the rank of the falconer's way" - "do not forget: it's time for business and an hour for fun." The meaning of his clarification was that in addition to such an important thing as hunting, there are other things that should be given time. However, subsequently, in this proverbial expression, the dividing conjunction “a” began to be used, which completely changed its original meaning.

Kosheleva O. "It's not scary to fall, terribly falling, not to get up ..."// Motherland. - 2006. - N 11. - S. 41-45.
Epistolary works of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

Kushaev N. A. Education and upbringing of Russian sovereigns// Art and education. - 2004. - N 1. - S. 60-84.
How Russian tsars were educated and brought up, including Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov.

Lisitsyna E. Cat-loving autocrats// Friend. Magazine for cat lovers. -2008. - N 9. - S. 62-65.
Russian tsars, Russian emperors and empresses favored cats. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was very fond of cats.

Mosunova T. "Window to Europe": about the royal brides and exiled Poles in the forgotten capital // Ural worker. - 2011. - 30 Nov. - S. 6. : photo, ill.
About the exile of the royal brides in the city of Verkhoturye.

[About Grand Duke Yaroslav the Wise and Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov]// Science and religion. - 2004. - N 1. - S. 58.
About the life of Grand Duke Yaroslav the Wise and Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, about the fact that they have much in common in solving state problems.

Russia in the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich through the eyes of foreigners// Statement of the dynasty. - Moscow, 1997. - S. 407-418.

Scott S. Romanovs: Biography of the dynasty (1613-1999) / trans. from the Swedish - 2nd add. and reworked. ed.

Moscow: Zakharov, 2000. - 316 p.

Solovyov S. M. History of Russia since ancient times: In 15 books. Book. 6: T. 11-12: History of Russia in the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich. - Moscow: Sotsekgiz, 1961. - 683 p.

Starikova N. V. Alexey Mikhailovich// History of Russia: IX-XXI centuries. : From Rurik to Putin. - Moscow, 2003. - S. 204-221.

Usovich K. Diagnostics of the image of a top manager: Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov // Personnel management. - 2008. - N 12. - S. 78-83; N 13. - S. 72-78.
On the images of the rulers of Russia on the example of the royal dynasty of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov.

Fortunatov V.V. The rebellious age of Alexei Mikhailovich "The Quietest"// Russian history in faces / VV Fortunatov. - St. Petersburg: Peter, 2009. - S. 119 - 122. : ill.

Hosking D. Russia and Russians: In 2 books. / D. Hosking; per. from English. - Moscow: AST; Transitbook, 2003. - Book. 1. - S. 201-216.
About church reforms during the reign of the emperor and the relationship between the Don Cossacks and the Moscow kingdom.

Yablochkov M. The reign of Alexei Mikhailovich (1645 -1676)// History of the nobility in Russia / M. Yablochkov. - Smolensk, 2003. - Ch. XII. - S. 243-303.

The list of references was prepared by the bibliographer of the SBO - I. G. Taushkanova.

ALEXEY MIKHAILOVICH ROMANOV(03/19/1629-01/29/1676) - tsar since 1645, from the Romanov dynasty.
The son of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich from his marriage to Evdokia Lukyanovna Streshneva. Alexei Mikhailovich from a young age under the guidance of the "uncle" boyar B.I. Morozov was preparing for state activity. In the early years of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich Morozov became the first person at his court.
On July 13, 1645, the eldest son of Mikhail Fedorovich, Tsarevich Alexei, became the Russian Tsar. Alexei Mikhailovich was one of the most educated people of his time. He himself wrote and edited many decrees and was the first of the Russian tsars to sign them with his own hand. Aleksey Mikhailovich compiled the Code of the Falconer's Way, tried to write memoirs about the Polish war. Meek and religious, Alexei Mikhailovich was extremely loved by the people, for which he received the nickname "Quiet".
The main concern of the new government was the replenishment of the state treasury. To this end, in 1646, the royal decree increased the duty on salt. Due to the sharp rise in the price of salt, the population refused to buy it, and the revenues of the treasury fell. In 1647 the salt tax was abolished. At the same time, tax arrears for the previous two years began to be collected from the taxable population. In 1648, the mass discontent of the townspeople in Moscow led to the "Salt Riot". Alexei Mikhailovich was forced to make concessions. Morozov was exiled to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. His place at the court was taken by the boyar N.I. Romanov and Prince Ya.K. Cherkassky. Later, Alexei Mikhailovich brought talented statesmen closer - N.I. Odoevsky, A.L. Ordina-Nashchokina, A.S. Matveev.
In September 1648, after the pacification of the unrest, the tsar convened the Zemsky Sobor, which adopted the Council Code of 1649, which for almost two centuries became the main legislative act of the Russian state, which satisfied the basic requirements of the top tenants and the nobility. Needing a reliable adviser, the tsar brought Patriarch Nikon closer to him. He trusted Nikon and entrusted the administration of the state during his absence from the capital.
In 1650, the tsar again turned to the Zemsky Sobor for support in connection with the uprisings in Pskov ("Pskov Gil") and Novgorod.
In 1649-1652. the so-called township building was carried out - white settlements (private estates exempted from taxes) in the cities were unsubscribed "to the sovereign", and their inhabitants, along with black (state) settlements, began to pay taxes to the treasury. Alexei Mikhailovich took a number of measures to protect Russian merchants from competition from foreign merchants. In 1649, a decree was issued on the expulsion of English merchants from Russia. The decree motivated this measure with the following arguments: Russian merchants because of the British "impoverished", and the latter "became rich"; in addition, the British "performed a great evil deed with all the land, they killed their sovereign Carlus the king to death." The decision of Alexei Mikhailovich remained unchanged even after the personal intervention of the son of King Charles I, who was executed during the English Revolution - the future King Charles II: and not mercy. And in the Muscovite state it is still obscene for such villains to be." Alexey Mikhailovich contributed to the adoption of the Trade (1653) and Novotrade (1667) statutes, which encouraged the development of domestic and foreign trade.
In the early years of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, the cultural and religious life of Russia intensified. In con. 40s 17th century at his court, a "Circle of Zealots of Piety" ("God-lovers") was formed under the leadership of the tsar's confessor Stefan Vnifantiev. The activities of the Moscow Printing House expanded, among the publications of which books of an educational nature stand out. In 1649, the "Cathedral Code", "Code of Court Cases" were printed and reprinted many times here. In 1653, the Pilot was published - a set of church rules and regulations. In 1647, a translated work was published - "The Teaching and Cunning of the Military Structure of Infantry Men" by Johann Jacobi von Wahlhausen. The members of the Vnifantiev circle are credited with spreading literacy and establishing schools in Russia. Alexei Mikhailovich issued a number of decrees condemning those who arranged or participated in "demonic games": fortune-telling, Christmas masquerades, invited buffoons, etc.
Alexei Mikhailovich provided patronage to zealots of the Orthodox faith who advocated changes in church life. An innovation in the practice of worship was the sermons with which the priests addressed the parishioners. The tsar supported the reforms of the new Patriarch Nikon, considering the unification of church rites of the Russian and Greek churches a necessary prerequisite for the growth of the international authority of the Russian state. However, soon, due to Nikon's claims to supreme power in the state, Alexei Mikhailovich broke off relations with him and, at a church council in 1666, acted as one of the main accusers of the patriarch. In the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, a split occurred in the Russian Orthodox Church. Opponents of church reform - the "Old Believers" more than once "revolted the people" against the tsar and the patriarch. The Solovetsky Monastery became the stronghold of the Old Believers. From 1668 to 1676 the royal governors could not bring the monks into obedience. The "Solovki seat" ended after the death of the tsar.
The church reforms carried out by Nikon caused the emergence of a religious movement in the country, the followers of which did not recognize the official church. Subsequently, they began to be called schismatics. The growing interference of Nikon in the domestic and foreign policy of the state under the thesis "the priesthood is higher than the kingdom" led to a break between the tsar and the patriarch.
In con. 40 - early 50s 17th century the construction of defensive fortifications on the southern borders of the country continued. The Belgorod zasechnaya line was built, stretching for almost 500 versts; Tambovskaya line passed in the eastern direction, along the Kama coast - the Zakamskaya line. With regard to the Crimean Khanate, Moscow sought to achieve a peaceful course of affairs; Khan and the Crimean nobility were sent annual "wake" - generous gifts of money and furs.
In 1654 Left-Bank Ukraine was annexed to Russia. Accession was proclaimed on January 8, 1654 by Hetman of Ukraine Bogdan Khmelnytsky at the Pereyaslav Rada. However, this event caused another Russian-Polish war, which lasted 13 years, until 1667, and ended with the Andrusovo truce. As a result of the Russian-Polish war of 1654-1667. returned Smolensk and Seversk land with Chernigov and Starodub. The Russian-Swedish war of 1656-1658, undertaken with the aim of gaining access to the Baltic Sea, ended with the conclusion of the Valiesar truce, which was beneficial for Russia, but later, under the influence of failures in the Russian-Polish war, its terms were revised when the Peace of Cardis was signed in 1661.
Long wars demanded the strain of all the financial possibilities of the state. In the interests of service people, there was a further expansion of serfdom. The government levied extraordinary taxes from merchants and townspeople: "fifth money", "tenth money" (respectively 20 and 10% of the value of the property), took large loans from monasteries. In 1654, the government introduced copper money into circulation, which was supposed to circulate on a par with silver. However, after a few years, the accelerated issue of copper money led to their depreciation. The critical situation in the country, one of the manifestations of which was the "Copper Riot" of 1662 in Moscow, forced the authorities to abolish copper money. In 1670-1671. The tsarist army suppressed the uprising of Stepan Razin, which engulfed the southern and part of the central regions of Russia.
There was a further development of Siberia. In 1648, the Cossack Semyon Dezhnev discovered the strait separating Eurasia from North America (now the Bering Strait). In con. 40 - early 50s 17th century explorers Vasily Poyarkov and Erofei Khabarov made trips to the river. Amur and brought the population of this region to Russian citizenship. In 1655, the Kalmyks recognized themselves as subjects of the Russian Tsar. Russian embassies were sent to the khans of Khiva and Bukhara, as well as to China. By order of Alexei Mikhailovich, information was collected about India and the routes to this country.
Alexei Mikhailovich actively recruited foreigners, mainly military specialists, doctors, and manufacturers. In the Russian army, the importance of "foreign regiments" sharply increased. In 1669 in the village. Dedinovo on the Oka was built a three-masted ship "Eagle" and several small ships. The first Russian Naval Charter was drawn up for the flotilla.
By the end of his reign, the king less and less turned to the advice of "the whole earth." The activities of Zemsky Sobors gradually faded away. The personal power of the sovereign increased significantly, the competence of the central authorities expanded, and the influence of the prikaz bureaucracy increased. In 1654, by decree of Alexei Mikhailovich, the “Order of his great sovereign of secret affairs” was created, where all the threads of state administration converged, he oversaw all civil and military affairs that were under the jurisdiction of other state institutions. In 1672, in Zapisny Prikaz, a historical and genealogical work was compiled on the Romanov dynasty, designed to show its succession to the Rurik dynasty: the richly illustrated "Titular" included a portrait gallery of Russian sovereigns, drawings of coats of arms of cities and regions, as well as images of foreign monarchs.
At the court of Alexei Mikhailovich, outstanding scientists and educators Simeon Polotsky, Epiphanius Slavinetsky, the icon painter Simon Ushakov and others worked. An adherent of Western European innovations, Alexei Mikhailovich started gardens and "gardens" in Moscow and the royal villages near Moscow, including for the needs of the Pharmaceutical Order. In with. Preobrazhenskoye, a "comedy temple" was built, where in 1672 the first theatrical performance took place. Rebuilt and decorated with. Izmailovo. In 1669, a grandiose wooden palace was erected in the village. Kolomenskoye, nicknamed by contemporaries "the eighth wonder of the world". In Moscow, a stone Embassy yard was built, as well as a new Apothecary yard, where, according to the royal decree, the poor and wanderers were fed.
During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich in Russia, attempts were made to build the first warships, the formation of a permanent army of the "new order" began, consisting of volunteers and laying the foundation for the future recruiting system.
Alexey Mikhailovich left an extensive literary heritage: letters, memoirs, poetry and prose ("Message to Solovki", "The Tale of the Repose of Patriarch Joseph", unfinished notes on the Russian-Polish war). Unofficially, Alexei Mikhailovich was called Quiet.
From the first marriage of Alexei Mikhailovich with Maria Ilinichnaya Miloslavskaya, sons were born - the future tsars Fedor Alekseevich and Ivan V - and a daughter Sofya Alekseevna (future ruler); from the second marriage, with Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina, - the future Tsar Peter.
Alexei Mikhailovich died on January 30, 1676 at the age of 47. He is buried in the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin.

Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov was nicknamed the Quietest. He differed from his predecessors in sincere piety, education and even generosity. However, the period in Russian history, which fell on the years of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, cannot be called calm.

The Russian-Polish war continued for thirteen years. A popular revolt broke out in Moscow, caused by the establishment of a new duty on salt. There was a split in the Russian Orthodox Church. All these are events that took place during the reign of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov.

Childhood

At the age of five, the future king began to learn to read and write. Boyar Boris Morozov became his teacher. In the early years of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, this man played an important role in solving state affairs. Morozov had an influence on the Tsarevich, from which it was not easy for him to get rid of. The second of the Romanov family from an early age was very fond of books. By the age of twelve he had amassed a small library. Growing up, he became interested in hunting.

Sixteen year old king

On the night of July 12-13, 1649, the first of the Romanov family, Mikhail Fedorovich, died unexpectedly and quietly. However, he managed to bless his only son for the kingdom. The boyars hastily swore allegiance to the new sovereign. So Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov began to reign, but not to rule.

People in the Middle Ages grew up, of course, quickly. Nevertheless, sixteen-year-old Michael knew little about public affairs. On the throne was a lively and lively young man who did not know how to govern the country, but knew a lot about hunting and church hymns.

The beginning of the reign

Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov was a relatively mild ruler. When he ascended the throne, he was completely unprepared to address issues of foreign and domestic policy. In the early years, the son of Mikhail Fedorovich listened to the opinion of his relative Boris Morozov.

In 1647, the young Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov planned to marry. His chosen one was the daughter of Raf Vsevolozhsky. But Morozov intervened. The boyar did everything to "correctly" marry the young tsar. Alexei Mikhailovich, being under the influence of an intriguer, married Maria Miloslavskaya. Morozov himself soon married her sister. So he, along with Miloslavsky, strengthened his position at court.

salt riot

Even in the briefest biography of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, this uprising is mentioned. It was the largest rebellion during his reign. The reasons for the uprising are the dissatisfaction of the population with the policies of Boris Morozov. Salt prices have risen several times, taxes have increased.

Craftsmen, townspeople and archers took part in the uprising. An arson was set in Kitay-gorod, the boyar courts were devastated. Several hundred people died. But the Salt Riot played an important role in the further political life of the country. In a brief biography of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, it is certainly said about the code of laws that he issued after the suppression of the uprising. This is discussed in more detail below. What events preceded the Salt Riot? How did Alexei Mikhailovich react to the uprising caused by Morozov's policy?

In the first years of his reign, the young ruler tried to establish a balance in the budget, to develop a reliable financial system. Morozov, on the other hand, proposed reforms that would be aimed at replenishing the treasury and restoring the tax system.

Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, being at that time still an inexperienced ruler, followed the advice of a relative. A tax was introduced on the import of salt, as a result of which the price of this product from merchants increased significantly. In 1647, the supply of salt had to be abandoned. The tax has been cancelled. At the same time, fees from the "black" settlements increased. The burden of the tax burden now fell on the shoulders of small merchants and artisans.

The salt riot is one of the brightest events in the biography of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov. Briefly about Morozov, one can say this: the royal educator, the de facto ruler of the state. But after the rebellion, the position of the king changed. He sent Morozov away from Moscow. Alexei Mikhailovich issued a decree that delayed the collection of taxes and calmed the rebels. Morozov soon returned, but did not play such a role as before in government. Another result of the rebellion was the drafting of a code of laws.

Cathedral Code

Describing briefly the biography of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, it is worth talking about the code of laws that was in force for almost two centuries. The Council Code was adopted in 1649.

Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov became the first Russian bureaucrat and autocrat. The biography of this ruler does not attract as much attention as, for example, the biography of his son Peter I. Alexei Mikhailovich is not called a great king. But during his reign, important innovations appeared. His predecessors never took papers in their hands, believing that it was not befitting their rank. Aleksey Mikhailovich Romanov not only issued a new code of laws, but also looked through the petitions with his own hand.

To draw up the Code, the tsar convened a special commission, headed by Prince Nikita Odoevsky. The council was held with the participation of representatives of the township communities. The hearing was held in two chambers. In one sat the tsar, the Consecrated Cathedral and the Boyar Duma. In the other - people of different ranks. The Council Code was in force until the middle of the 19th century. It is with the publication of this document that Russian serfdom begins its history.

Church reform

So, a new period in the biography of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov begins after the Salt Riot. The ruler matured and no longer needed advisers. True, a person soon came to power who showed much more ambition than Morozov. Namely, Patriarch Nikon.

The sociable, gentle nature of Alexei Mikhailovich needed a friend. And this good friend was Nikon, who at that time was the Metropolitan of Novgorod. It was not only a clergyman, but a talented politician and a good business executive. In March 1650, Nikon pacified the rebels, thereby earning the trust of the king. From 1652 he took an active part in the affairs of the state.

Patriarch Nikon carried out a church reform on behalf of Alexei Mikhailovich. It concerned primarily church books and rituals. In the Moscow Cathedral, the reform was approved, but it was proposed to combine Greek and Russian traditions. Nikon was a strong-willed, wayward person. He received unlimited power over the believers, and this power intoxicated him. Soon the patriarch came up with the idea of ​​the primacy of church authority, which could not be approved by the king. Alexei Mikhailovich was gentle, but he knew how to show firmness at decisive moments. He stopped attending Nikon's divine services in the Assumption Cathedral and henceforth did not invite Nikon to solemn receptions. This was a serious blow to the proud patriarch.

Once, during a sermon in the Assumption Cathedral, Nikon announced the resignation of his duties. He did not refuse the dignity, but he also retired to the New Jerusalem Monastery. Nikon was sure that sooner or later the tsar would repent and ask him to return to Moscow. However, this did not happen.

While Nikon was in the New Jerusalem Monastery, Alexei Mikhailovich was preparing a church trial against him. In 1666 the Moscow Cathedral was convened. The patriarch was brought under escort. The king accused him of having renounced the patriarchate without his knowledge. Those present supported Alexei Mikhailovich. Nikon was tried, defrocked and imprisoned in a monastery.

Army reform

In 1648 the tsar began a military reform. For six years, the best parts of the "old system" were being strengthened. New regiments appeared: soldiers, reiters, dragoons, hussars. The tsar hired a huge number of specialists from Europe, which became possible due to the end of the Thirty Years' War.

Deterioration of Russian-Polish relations

While the Russian tsar was planning a military reform, an uprising of Ukrainian Cossacks began in the Commonwealth. Hetman Khmelnytsky stood at their head. The Cossacks won, but soon began to suffer defeat and asked for citizenship to Alexei Mikhailovich. They hoped that the oppression of the Russian Tsar would be less severe.

In Moscow, without thinking twice, they decided not to miss the rich Ukrainian lands. The Cossacks became subjects of the Russian Tsar. This led to a break with Poland.

The beginning of the war

In the paintings and photos taken from them, Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov looks like a stately burly man. The real Russian tsar. That is exactly what he was, according to the records of his contemporaries, at the beginning of the war with Poland.

In the spring of 1654, Russian troops occupied Mogilev, Orsha, Smolensk. A few months later, the Swedes came out against the Commonwealth, who captured Krakow and Warsaw. The Polish king hastily left the country. Vilna, Minsk, Grodno fell under the onslaught of the Russian army. In the Commonwealth, the "Flood" began, which Henryk Sienkiewicz told about in his famous novel.

War with Sweden

By the spring of 1656, the conflict escalated even more. In May, the Russian tsar declared war on Sweden. The siege of Riga began successfully, but almost ended in the defeat of the Russian army. I had to retreat. It turned out to be very difficult for the Russian army to fight on two fronts. Russian-Polish negotiations began, which lasted quite a long time. The Russian tsar demanded Lithuania, the Poles insisted on the return of Ukrainian lands. The enemy had to conclude a truce because of the threat of a new Swedish offensive.

Razin's uprising

As soon as the tsar managed to regulate relations with Poland, internal unrest began. In the south of the country, the Cossack Stepan Razin raised an uprising. He took Yaitsky town, robbed several Persian ships. In May 1670, Razin went to the Volga, where he took Cherny Yar, Tsaritsyn, Astrakhan, Samara and Saratov. But the rebels were captured near Simbirsk. Stepan Razin was executed in Moscow in 1671. And soon the war with Turkey began, which ended after the death of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov (the years of the reign of the tsar - 1645-1676). The war with Turkey ended with a twenty-year peace in 1681.

Wives and children

As already mentioned, the first wife of the king was Maria Miloslavskaya. In this marriage, 13 children were born. Among them - Fedor III, Ivan IV and Sophia. Maria Miloslavskaya died in 1669 in childbirth, giving birth to Evdokia. The girl lived only two days. Three years later, the tsar married Natalya Naryshkina. Children of Alexei Mikhailovich from his second wife - Natalya, Feodor, Peter.

In 1674, the tsar declared his son Fyodor his heir. Two years later, Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov died of a heart attack. He was 47 years old.