The Rise and Legacy of Tsar Michael and Tsar Alexei of Russia

The envoys from the National Assembly in Moscow visited the White Monastery at Kozlyma to request Martha, a great nun, to allow her son, Nikolai Romanov, to become the next Tsar of Russia. They believed Nikolai was the only hope to prevent Konecki from returning, as he was the only noble who hadn't tarnished his reputation during the time of troubles.

In 1898, Tsar Fyodor, the last of the Rurik dynasty, died without an heir, leading to a succession crisis. Boris Gudanov was elected as the next Tsar, but a false Dmitry emerged, claiming to be the deceased Tsar's brother. This imposter seized the throne briefly before being overthrown, plunging Russia into chaos and vulnerability to foreign attacks from Sweden and Poland.

In 1613, the Zemsky Sobor, Russia's National Assembly, elected 16-year-old Michael Romanov as Tsar. Michael's strong claim to the throne, being the son of Fyodor Nikitich Romanov and cousin of the previous Tsar, Boris Gudanov, marked the beginning of the Romanov dynasty. His ascension brought stability after years of anarchy and devastation.

Tsar Michael I's coronation took place on July 22nd, 1613, marking the official start of the Romanov dynasty in Russia. Michael's rule began at a critical time when the state was on the brink of collapse, and his leadership was characterized by consultation with advisers and a cautious approach to governance.

Tsar Michael I ruled not as an autocrat but in consultation with advisers, defying expectations by maintaining his independence from noble factions. He initiated more regular meetings of the National Assembly for advice and demonstrated patience and strategic thinking in dealing with rival claimants to the throne, including the Swedish King Carl Philipp, the Polish Prince Wladyslaw, and the young Ivan, son of Marina Monizek.

The boy's claim was upheld by 3,000 Cossacks led by Ivan Zarutsky, but they were later deserted and handed over to the Tsar's soldiers. They were brought to Moscow where the executions took place in front of a large crowd at the Tsepakov Gate. Zarutsky was impaled on a stake, and Dmitry's son, amidst a snowstorm, was hanged as a thief.

With Swedish troops besieging Pskov, Tsar Michael ordered diplomats to negotiate peace at any cost. The Treaty of Stalbov in 1617 returned Novgorod and surrounding lands to Russia, averting anarchy but war still loomed with a Polish army led by Prince Wladyslaw advancing on Moscow.

On December 1st, 1618, Poland and Russia signed the Truce of Dulina, returning Regent von Vyazma Tichernikov. Despite unresolved issues like Smolensk under Polish control and Wladyslaw's claim to the Russian throne, the treaty marked a personal triumph for Michael, ensuring the return of all prisoners taken during the time of troubles, including his father.

After nine years of separation, Michael was reunited with his father, Metropolitan Bishop Filaret, who acknowledged his son as God's chosen ruler. The czar made his father Patriarch of Moscow, ruling together as father and son, while the influence of Michael's mother, Martha, diminished.

Tsar Michael's marriage troubles began with his love for Masha Klopova, leading to suspicion and illness before her exile to Siberia. Later marriages to Princess Maria Dalkarukova and a royal bride ended in tragedy, prompting Michael to dismiss his mother from marital affairs.

The tradition of electing a Tsar's bride involved a beauty contest with thousands of noble candidates. Applicants were sorted based on height, head size, and feet size. The most beautiful girls were presented to the Tsar, who surprisingly chose Evdokia Streshneva, a maid of a candidate and daughter of a poor nobleman. The Tsar kept her identity secret until three days before the wedding, and she proved to be kind, considerate, and loving, bearing him 10 children, of which only 4 survived infancy.

Tsar Michael reorganized the army to reclaim lost Russian lands, leading to war with Poland. He introduced new weapons and equipment based on European developments, particularly learning from the Swedish army. New regiments with 8 companies of 200 men each were formed, totaling 17,000 men by 1632. Despite initial defeats, a settlement in the 1634 Treaty of Polyanovka resulted in no territorial gains for Russia, only the town of Sierpiesk and an indemnity of 20,000 rubles paid to Poland.

Thanks to Tsar Michael's efforts, English and Dutch specialists came to Russia to share expertise, residing in foreign districts like Moscow's German Quarter. Investments in local enterprises led to the development of steelmaking plants and armories. Russia began exporting arms to European countries, boosting its economy. The average wage was 3 kopecks a day, with items like a sheepskin coat costing 50 kopecks and a pair of boots 10 days' wages.

Russia gained influence abroad, receiving a holy robe from Shah Abbas of Persia in 1625. The relic, believed to be worn by Christ before his crucifixion, was presented by Patriarch Philaret, leading to miraculous healings. The robe was later housed in a cathedral within the Kremlin. Russia's trade and productivity increased, with the state exporting arms to Europe and enjoying economic and political stability.

After the time of troubles, the Romanovs focused on nurturing a cultural revival in Russia. Patriarch Philaret restored the Tsar's library and scholars were sent to find and copy rare manuscripts. Within just 30 years, Russia returned to its pre-anarchy prosperity, with trade and productivity on the rise, people feeling safe and well-fed. It marked an era of economic and political stability, thanks to Tsar Michael's efforts in bringing the state back from the brink.

Tsar Michael achieved the impossible by restoring Russia's prosperity and stability after the time of troubles. Celebrating his 49th birthday in 1645, he had successfully led military reorganization, fostered economic growth through foreign expertise, enhanced international relations, and spearheaded a cultural revival. His leadership brought Russia back to a level of prosperity and security unseen since the state's descent into anarchy.

The first Romanov Tsar of Russia, whose name was not mentioned, publicly forgave all who insulted or sinned against him before ordering a general amnesty for prisoners. Upon returning home, he bid farewell to his wife and son before peacefully passing away later that day. Russia mourned his death for three days, with thousands from all walks of life paying their respects before his coffin, and services held in his honor in all churches of the land.

Alexei Mikhailovich, the eldest son and heir of Michael, ascended to the throne of Russia at a young age inheriting a transformed country free from famine, civil war, and destruction. Under his rule, Russia became stable and prosperous. Tsar Alexei was described as handsome, intelligent, virile, and devout, destined to become one of Russia's most controversial rulers with great victories, bloody revolts, remarkable achievements, and fatal mistakes ahead.

Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was not overwhelmed by his responsibilities as he had been prepared for them since childhood. His education began at the age of six, learning the alphabet and reading stories from the Bible. His household included numerous staff members, teachers, musicians, and guards. Alexei's chief tutor, Boris Marazov, introduced him to Western culture, and many Europeans visited the Tsar's court. The Tsar was described as handsome, strongly built, kind, gentle, and devout, with a memory that was excellent.

During the early years of his reign, Tsar Alexei pursued various passions including visiting monasteries, collecting rare birds, maintaining an elk farm, experimenting with agriculture, and hunting with falcons. He owned 3,000 falcons, each known by name, and employed 100 falconers. The upkeep of the mews and hunting stables cost the treasury 75,000 roubles a year. His hunting party was elaborate, showcasing his enjoyment of a lavish lifestyle.

The nobles, jealous of Boris Marysov's influence, urged Tsar Alexei to marry to diminish Marysov's role. Marysov orchestrated the selection of a bride for the Tsar, causing a potential bride to faint to prevent the marriage. Eventually, Alexei married Maria Mirslavsky, strengthening his ties to Marysov. Their family life brought great joy, with Maria proving to be an ideal Tsaritsa, and they had thirteen children during their twenty-year marriage.

In 1648, Tsar Alexei faced unrest as people complained about government corruption and excessive taxes. The crowd demanded the dismissal of corrupt officials, including Boris Mazurov, who had amassed a huge fortune and raised the tax on salt, causing widespread hardship.

People revolted against Boris Mazurov, trampling his belongings, ransacking his house, and shouting in fury. The events spread across Russia, leading to revolts in various cities and putting the Tsar under siege in his own palace.

To address the unrest, the Tsar executed corrupt officials but spared Boris Mazurov, exiling him instead. The National Assembly advised the Tsar to create a new legal code, leading to the Sobornaya Ulogenia, a comprehensive legal document that entrenched nobility privileges and peasant status.

After Boris Mazurov's exile, Nikon became Alexei's closest advisor, leading large-scale reforms in the Russian Orthodox Church. Nikon aimed to align Russian church practices with those of the Greek Orthodox Church, facing opposition from old believers who saw his reforms as heresy.

Tsar Alexei initially supported Nikon's reforms, but the Patriarch's overreach into politics, diplomacy, and military affairs led to rumors undermining him. When the Tsar failed to attend the Patriarch's service, it signaled Nikon's fall from favor. Nikon left for the New Jerusalem Monastery, awaiting an apology that never came, leading to his dismissal and replacement in 1666.

Tsar Alexei, after dealing with church reform and Cossack rebellion, faced war with Poland and a devastating plague outbreak in Moscow. The epidemic claimed 150,000 lives, half the city's population, prompting the Tsar to wash silver coins with soap and lye to prevent the spread of plague to the army.

The war with Poland lasted 13 years, resulting in Russia regaining territories lost during the time of troubles. To refill the treasury, Tsar Alexei reformed the currency by introducing copper coins of equal value to silver coins. However, the copper coins rapidly lost value, leading to economic instability.

In July 1662, posters in Moscow accused those minting copper coins of being thieves and traitors. The people protested at the Tsar's palace, demanding a resolution. Despite the angry crowd, Tsar Alexei remained composed, promising to address the issue. Troops eventually intervened, leading to a violent crackdown on the protesters.

In just a few hours, 1,500 people were killed at Kalamanskoye. The revolt was suppressed, leading to the withdrawal of copper coinage. The state offered compensation at 5 kopecks, or 5% to the ruble.

Tsar's agents interrogated and tortured suspects for months to uncover the masterminds behind the riots. 150 individuals were hanged, while about 1,000 were exiled with the letter B branded on their faces.

During the Copper Riot, Tsaritsa was pregnant, similar to the Salt Riot 14 years prior. The shock allegedly contributed to her death in childbirth, with their baby girl passing away just five days later.

Post-revolt, Tsar Alexei established a special section within the Department of Secret Affairs, overseeing counterintelligence, secret police, censorship, and a prison. This section operated independently from other state departments, utilizing torture and informers extensively.

During a dinner at Artemon Matveyev's house, Tsar Alexei was enamored by Natalia Narushkina's beauty and decided to marry her. Despite a formal selection process, Natalia won his heart, leading to their wedding on February 1st, 1671, in the Kremlin.

Tsar Alexei's reign saw the establishment of Russia's first professional theatre and a renewed zest for life. His son, Peter the Great, was born, who would later surpass his father's achievements in reform and modernization. Alexei's death at 46 left a void in the country, with his legacy shaping the future of Russia.

During Tsar Alexei's funeral, the ill health of his heir, Fyodor Alexeevich, raised concerns among the people. Some whispered warnings of a potential return to nobles' rule and a looming 'time of troubles' for Russia.