Russian Revolution By Leanna Stackhouse Jan 1, 1613 Michael Romanov becomes Tsar of Russia Jan 1, 1828 Tsar Nicholas I begins to remove autonomy from several areas Feb 19, 1861 Alexander II abolishes serfdom Apr 22, 1870 Vladimir Lenin is born Jan 1, 1917 Nicholas II abdicates the throne Apr 1, 1917 Food shortage in St. Petersburg Apr 11, 1917 Military begin to riot