![Tsar of Russia Alexander I](https://www.onthisday.com/images/people/alexander-i.jpg?w=360)
Full Name: Alexander Pavlovich Romanov
Profession: Tsar of Russia
Biography: Alexander I, also known as "the Blessed," was the Emperor of Russia from 1801 until his death in 1825. Known for his role in the Napoleonic Wars, he initially allied with Napoleon Bonaparte but later turned against him, joining the coalition that eventually defeated the French Emperor.
Alexander's reign also saw the codification of Russian law and the establishment of state-sponsored education institutions. His foreign policy was complex, changing his position on France multiple times and fighting brief conflicts against Britain (1807-1812) and Sweden (1808-1809).
He brought Russia into the Holy Alliance, a coalition of Christian monarchies aimed at promoting peace in Europe. He also pursued Russian expansion in the Caucasus and suppressed nationalistic movements in Poland and Finland, incorporating these territories more tightly into the Russian Empire.
Later in his reign, Alexander became increasingly influenced by mysticism and religious zeal, leading him toward a vision of moral crusade in politics. While he is believed to have died of typhus, he was also rumored to have disappeared to become a hermit.
Born: December 23, 1777
Birthplace: Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire
Star Sign: Capricorn
Died: December 1, 1825 (aged 47)
Cause of Death: Typhus
Articles and Photos
Tsar Goes a Step Too Far
For over 300 years Russia’s famous Romanov family possessed fabulous wealth and power, but it wasn’t enough to keep them out of reach of assassins.
March 23, 1801Napoleon Meets the Tsar
Napoléon Bonaparte meets Alexander I of Russia in a pavilion aboard a raft in the middle of the Neman River to sign a peace treaty
July 7, 1806Russian Antarctic Expedition
The Bellingshausen expedition's two sloops-of-war, Mirny and Vostok
August 4, 1821
Historical Events
- 1801-03-24 Aleksandr Pavlovich Romanov becomes Tsar Alexander I of Russia
- 1807-07-07 French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte and Russian Tsar Alexander I meet on a raft in the middle of the Neman River and sign the first Treaty of Tilsit
- 1809-03-29 King Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden abdicates after a coup d'état. At the Diet of Porvoo, Finland's four Estates pledge allegiance to Alexander I of Russia, commencing the secession of the Grand Duchy of Finland from Sweden.
- 1817-03-25 Tsar Alexander I recommends formation of Society of Israeli Christians
- 1818-11-21 Russia's Tsar Alexander I petitions for a Jewish state in Palestine
- 1819-07-16 Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen sets sail to explore Antarctica for Tsar Alexander I