This table provides a concise overview of a succession of Russian rulers, mainly from the Romanov dynasty, spanning from Peter the Great in the late 17th century to Nicholas II, the last Tsar during the early 20th century. It outlines their lifespans, reign periods, familial connections, and significant notes about their reigns and personal lives. The Romanovs, starting with Peter the Great who transformed Russia into a major European power, experienced dramatic shifts in political, social, and cultural realms under their rule. Key historical events associated with these rulers include the founding of St. Petersburg, significant reforms, and ultimately, the fall of the dynasty with the Russian Revolution of 1917. This list also includes figures like Catherine the Great, known for her expansive foreign policies and internal reforms, and Alexander II, remembered for his emancipation of the serfs and tragic assassination. The narrative of the Romanovs is marked by notable achievements and profound tragedies, reflecting the complex history of imperial Russia.
Here’s the table you requested, presenting the rulers of Russia, from Peter I (Peter the Great) through Nicholas II, along with pertinent details like lifespan, reign, notes, and family affiliations:
| Name | Lifespan | Reign Start | Reign End | Notes | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter I | 9 June 1672 – 8 February 1725 | as a tsar: 2 June 1682 as an emperor: 2 November 1721 | 8 February 1725 | Son of Alexis I and Natalya Naryshkina. Younger brother of Sophia Alekseyevna, Feodor III, and Ivan V. He ruled jointly with Ivan V. Regarded as one of the greatest Russian monarchs. | Romanov |
| Catherine I | 15 April 1684 – 17 May 1727 | 8 February 1725 | 17 May 1727 | Wife of Peter I | House of Skavronsky (by birth), Romanov (by marriage) |
| Peter II | 23 October 1715 – 30 January 1730 | 18 May 1727 | 30 January 1730 | Grandson of Peter I via the murdered Tsesarevich Alexei. Last of the direct male Romanov line. | Romanov |
| Anna | 7 February 1693 – 28 October 1740 | 15 February 1730 | 28 October 1740 | Daughter of Ivan V | Romanov |
| Ivan VI | 23 August 1740 – 16 July 1764 | 28 October 1740 | 6 December 1741 | Great-grandson of Ivan V. Deposed as a baby, imprisoned, and later murdered. | House of Mecklenburg-Brunswick-Romanov |
| Elizabeth | 29 December 1709 – 5 January 1762 | 6 December 1741 | 5 January 1762 | Daughter of Peter I and Catherine I, usurped the throne. | Romanov |
| Peter III | 21 February 1728 – 17 July 1762 | 9 January 1762 | 9 July 1762 | Grandson of Peter I, Nephew of Elizabeth. Murdered. | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov |
| Catherine II | 2 May 1729 – 17 November 1796 | 9 July 1762 | 17 November 1796 | Wife of Peter III | Ascania (by birth), Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov (by marriage) |
| Paul I | 1 October 1754 – 23 March 1801 | 17 November 1796 | 23 March 1801 | Son of Peter III and Catherine II. Assassinated. | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov |
| Alexander I | 23 December 1777 – 1 December 1825 | 23 March 1801 | 1 December 1825 | Son of Paul I and Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg. First Romanov King of Poland and Grand Prince of Finland. | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov |
| Nicholas I | 6 July 1796 – 2 March 1855 | 1 December 1825 | 2 March 1855 | Son of Paul I and Sophie Dorothea of Württemberg. Younger brother of Alexander I and Constantine Pavlovich. | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov |
| Alexander II | 29 April 1818 – 13 March 1881 | 2 March 1855 | 13 March 1881 | Son of Nicholas I and Alexandra Feodrovna. Nephew of Alexander I. Assassinated. | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov |
| Alexander III | 10 March 1845 – 1 November 1894 | 13 March 1881 | 1 November 1894 | Son of Alexander II and Maria Alexandrovna | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov |
| Nicholas II | 18 May 1868 – 17 July 1918 | 1 November 1894 | 15 March 1917 | Son of Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna. Abdicated the throne during the February Revolution. Executed by the Bolsheviks. | Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov |
This table encapsulates the transitions and critical events in the leadership of the Romanov dynasty, highlighting the familial ties that influenced succession and key historical developments in Russia’s monarchy.