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Alexander II becomes Tsar of Russia
This day marks a new start for Russia as Alexander II proves to be one of the greatest reformers during his reign as Tsar. -
Russia defeated in the Crimean War
Russia's defeat in the Crimean War marked the end of their military dominance. Although the Russian army held the largest force due to numbers, it was defeated by smaller British and French forces. A poor show of leadership during the war slowly began Russia's demise as a strong nation. -
Emancipation of the Serfs
Seen as one of the most important reforms Alexander II introduced as Tsar. The emancipation of the serfs provided both freedom and liberty for over 40 million members of the Russian population. -
Russo-Turkish War
This war proved a major success for Alexander II after Russia declared war on Turkey in support of the Balkan States who were fighitng against the Turkish rule. -
Tsar Alexander II Assassinated
Tsar Alexander II was assassinated by a terrorist group known as the People's Will. This was significant as it signalled the beginning of Tsar Alexander III's reign and was his motivation for such ruthless behaviour when he ordered the arrest and execution of many assassins as well as repressed the public by reversing many of his father's liberal reforms. -
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Russian Famine
Two million peasants died of starvation however Russia continued to export a grain which was seen as a controversial move considering the current death toll due to famine. There was no relief from the Tsar or government. It was left to middle class philanthropists to provide aid to those suffering the most from famine. Many middle class people began to feel even more opposed to the Tsar and their want for change only increased at his actions. -
Alexander III dies, Nicholas II becomes Tsar
Tsar Alexander III dies of kidney failure and is succeeded by his son, Nicholas II. This proves disatrous as Nicholas II has no want to be Tsar and lacks many of the skills needed to be a successful Tsar. Many battles are lost under his rule and he proves to be the last Tsar to ever rule Russia. -
Bloody Sunday
150, 000 workers march on strike with their families to protest to the Tsar, asking for measures to be put in palce to treat workers more fairly. However when the marchers reached Winter Palace, they were met by armed Cossacks who killed more than 200 demonstrators and injured more than 500. This event sparked a series of revolts known as the 1905 Revolution. -
Russia loses battle of Tannenberg
Tsar Nicholas II fails to lead Russia and instead paves the way for the Russian Revolution with an array of loss and defeat during battles. -
Russia loses First Battle of Masurian Lakes
Tsar Nicholas II fails to lead Russia and instead paves the way for the Russian Revolution with an array of loss and defeat during battles. -
Russia loses Second Battle of Masurian Lakes
Tsar Nicholas II fails to lead Russia and instead paves the way for the Russian Revolution with an array of loss and defeat during battles. -
Start of the Russian Revolution
Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks successfully win the Revolution after Tsar Nicholas II abdicates from the throne and the USSR becomes Russia's new government, with Lenin in charge. Changes occur as Lenin begins to practice some of Karl Marx's ideas of a socialist and communist nation.
