This website is part of The New York Public Library's Online Exhibition Archive. For current classes, programs, and exhibitions, please visit nypl.org.
Russia Engages the World, 1453-1825
1453 Through the Reign of Ivan the Terrible (1533-1584) The Time of Troubles to the First Romanovs (1598-1682) Peter the Great and His Legacy (1682-1762) The Age of Catherine the Great (1762-1801) The Reign of Emperor Alexander I (1801-1825)

                                     

Explore this Section:

  Russia Events
Russia Symbol Founding of the Ministries
Russia Symbol Treaties of Tilsit
Russia Symbol Battle of Borodino
Russia Symbol Founding of Fort Ross, 1812
Russia Symbol Arakcheev’s Military Colonies
Russia Symbol Decembrist Revolt
  World Events
World Symbol
Publication of Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, 1755
World Symbol
Russia Moves Against Persia, 1804
World Symbol
England Secures Control of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, 1805
Russia Symbol
The Congress of Vienna, 1814–15


Russia's Globalization:
A Key

Events marked Russia Symbol are specific to Muscovy/Russia's internal development.
Those marked World Symbol are important world historical or cultural events.
Engagement Symbol indicates specific points of sociocultural or military engagement between Muscovy/Russia and foreign powers or individuals.




















 

 


    

The government ministries founded by Alexander I beginning in 1802 constituted one of the tsar’s most liberal reforms, and the new system of political decision-making closely resembled a constitutional monarchy. There were eight ministries, which replaced the outdated colleges established by Peter I, the "Great" (r. 1682–1725). Each minister reported to Alexander, who made all the final decisions, and with whom they often met to discuss public policy. When Alexander became involved in the conflict with Napoleon, the Committee of Ministers was allowed to make decisions on many domestic issues by majority vote.