Over the 69 years of the existence of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, several people became the head of the country. The first ruler of the new state was Vladimir Ilyich Lenin ( real name Ulyanov), who led the Bolshevik Party during October revolution. Then the role of head of state actually began to be performed by a person who held the position of General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee (Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union).
IN AND. Lenin
The first significant decision of the new Russian government was to refuse to participate in the bloody world war. Lenin managed to achieve it, despite the fact that some party members were against concluding peace on unfavorable terms (Brest-Litovsk Peace Treaty). Having saved hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of lives, the Bolsheviks immediately put them at risk in another war - a civil one. The fight against interventionists, anarchists and White Guards, as well as other opponents of Soviet power, brought quite a few casualties.
In 1921, Lenin initiated the transition from the policy of war communism to the New Economic Policy (NEP), which contributed to the rapid restoration of the country's economy and national economy. Lenin also contributed to the establishment of one-party rule in the country and the formation of the Union of Socialist Republics. The USSR in the form in which it was created did not satisfy Lenin’s requirements, however, he did not have time to make significant changes.
In 1922, hard work and the consequences of the assassination attempt on him by Socialist-Revolutionary Fanny Kaplan in 1918 made themselves felt: Lenin became seriously ill. He took less and less part in governing the state and other people took the leading roles. Lenin himself spoke with alarm about his possible successor, Party General Secretary Stalin: “Comrade Stalin, having become General Secretary, concentrated immense power in his hands, and I am not sure whether he will always be able to use this power carefully enough.” On January 21, 1924, Lenin died, and Stalin, as expected, became his successor.
One of the main directions to which V.I. Lenin paid great attention to the development of the Russian economy. At the direction of the first leader of the country of the Soviets, many factories for the production of equipment were organized, and the completion of the AMO automobile plant (later ZIL) in Moscow began. Lenin paid great attention to the development of domestic energy and electronics. Perhaps, if fate had given the “leader of the world proletariat” (as Lenin was often called) more time, he would have raised the country to a high level.
I.V. Stalin
A tougher policy was pursued by Lenin’s successor Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin (real name Dzhugashvili), who in 1922 took the post of General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee. Now the name of Stalin is associated mainly with the so-called “Stalinist repressions” of the 30s, when several million residents of the USSR were deprived of property (the so-called “dekulakization”), were imprisoned or executed for political reasons (for condemning the current government).
Indeed, the years of Stalin's rule left a bloody mark on the history of Russia, but there were also positive features this period. During this time, from an agricultural country with a secondary economy, Soviet Union has become a world power with enormous industrial and military potential. The development of the economy and industry took its toll during the Great Patriotic War, which, although costly to the Soviet people, was still won. Already during the hostilities, it was possible to establish good supplies for the army and create new types of weapons. After the war, many cities that had been destroyed almost to the ground were restored at an accelerated pace.
N.S. Khrushchev
Soon after Stalin's death (March 1953), Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev became the General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee (September 13, 1953). This leader of the CPSU became famous, perhaps, most of all for his extraordinary actions, many of which are still remembered. So, in 1960, at the UN General Assembly, Nikita Sergeevich took off his shoe and, threatening to show Kuzka’s mother, began banging on the podium with it in protest against the speech of the Filipino delegate. The period of Khrushchev's reign is associated with the development of the arms race between the USSR and the USA (the so-called “Cold War”). In 1962, the deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba almost led to a military conflict with the United States.
Among the positive changes that occurred during the reign of Khrushchev, one can note the rehabilitation of victims of Stalin’s repressions (having taken the post of General Secretary, Khrushchev initiated the removal of Beria from his posts and his arrest), the development Agriculture through the development of unplowed lands (virgin lands), as well as the development of industry. It was during the reign of Khrushchev that the first launch of an artificial Earth satellite and the first human flight into space occurred. The period of Khrushchev's reign has an unofficial name - the “Khrushchev Thaw”.
L.I. Brezhnev
Khrushchev was replaced as General Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee by Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev (October 14, 1964). For the first time, a change of party leader was made not after his death, but by removal from office. The era of Brezhnev's rule went down in history as “stagnation”. The fact is that the Secretary General was a staunch conservative and an opponent of any reforms. The Cold War continued, which caused most of the resources to go to the military industry to the detriment of other areas. Therefore, during this period, the country practically stopped in its technical development and began to lose to other leading powers in the world (excluding the military industry). In 1980, the XXII Summer Olympic Games were held in Moscow, which were boycotted by some countries (USA, Germany and others) in protest against the introduction of Soviet troops into Afghanistan.
During Brezhnev's time, some attempts were made to defuse tensions in relations with the United States: American-Soviet treaties on the limitation of strategic offensive weapons were concluded. But these attempts were dashed by the introduction of Soviet troops into Afghanistan in 1979. At the end of the 80s, Brezhnev was actually no longer capable of ruling the country and was only considered the leader of the party. On November 10, 1982, he died at his dacha.
Yu. V. Andropov
On November 12, Khrushchev’s place was taken by Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov, who previously headed the State Security Committee (KGB). He achieved sufficient support among party leaders, therefore, despite the resistance of Brezhnev's former supporters, he was elected General Secretary and then Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Having taken the helm, Andropov proclaimed a course for socio-economic transformations. But all the reforms boiled down to administrative measures, strengthening discipline and exposing corruption in high circles. In foreign policy, confrontation with the West only intensified. Andropov sought to strengthen personal power: in June 1983 he took the post of chairman of the presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, while remaining general secretary. However, Andropov did not stay in power for long: he died on February 9, 1984 due to kidney disease, without having time to make significant changes in the life of the country.
K.U. Chernenko
On February 13, 1984, the post of head of the Soviet state was taken by Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko, who was considered a contender for the post of General Secretary even after Brezhnev’s death. Chernenko held this important post at the age of 72, being seriously ill, so it was clear that this was only a temporary figure. During Chernenko's reign, a number of reforms were undertaken, which were never brought to their logical conclusion. On September 1, 1984, Knowledge Day was celebrated for the first time in the country. On March 10, 1985, Chernenko died. His place was taken by Mikhail Sergeevich Gorbachev, who later became the first and last president of the USSR.
General Secretaries (General Secretaries) of the USSR... Once upon a time, their faces were known to almost every resident of our huge country. Today they are only part of history. Each of these political figures committed actions and deeds that were assessed later, and not always positively. It should be noted that general secretaries it was not the people who chose, but the ruling elite. In this article we will present a list of general secretaries of the USSR (with photos) in chronological order.
J.V. Stalin (Dzhugashvili)
This politician was born in the Georgian city of Gori on December 18, 1879 in the family of a shoemaker. In 1922, while V.I. was still alive. Lenin (Ulyanov), he was appointed first general secretary. It is he who heads the list of general secretaries of the USSR in chronological order. However, it should be noted that while Lenin was alive, Joseph Vissarionovich played a secondary role in governing the state. After the death of the “leader of the proletariat,” a serious struggle broke out for the highest government post. Numerous competitors of I.V. Dzhugashvili had every chance of taking this post. But thanks to uncompromising and sometimes even harsh actions and political intrigues, Stalin emerged victorious from the game and managed to establish a regime of personal power. Let us note that most of the applicants were simply physically destroyed, and the rest were forced to leave the country. In a fairly short period of time, Stalin managed to take the country into a tight grip. In the early thirties, Joseph Vissarionovich became the sole leader of the people.
The policy of this USSR Secretary General went down in history:
- mass repressions;
- collectivization;
- total dispossession.
In the 37-38 years of the last century, mass terror was carried out, in which the number of victims reached 1,500,000 people. In addition, historians blame Joseph Vissarionovich for his policy of forced collectivization, mass repressions that occurred in all layers of society, and the forced industrialization of the country. On domestic policy Some character traits of the leader affected the country:
- sharpness;
- thirst for unlimited power;
- high self-esteem;
- intolerance of other people's judgment.
Cult of personality
Photos of the Secretary General of the USSR, as well as other leaders who have ever held this post, can be found in the presented article. We can say with confidence that Stalin’s cult of personality had a very tragic impact on the fate of millions of different people: scientific and creative intelligentsia, government and party leaders, and the military.
For all this, during the Thaw, Joseph Stalin was branded by his followers. But not all the leader’s actions are reprehensible. According to historians, there are also moments for which Stalin deserves praise. Of course, the most important thing is the victory over fascism. In addition, there was a fairly rapid transformation of the destroyed country into an industrial and even military giant. There is an opinion that if it were not for Stalin’s personality cult, which is now condemned by everyone, many achievements would have been impossible. The death of Joseph Vissarionovich occurred on March 5, 1953. Let's look at all the general secretaries of the USSR in order.
N. S. Khrushchev
Nikita Sergeevich was born in the Kursk province on April 15, 1894, into an ordinary working-class family. He took part in the civil war on the side of the Bolsheviks. He was a member of the CPSU since 1918. At the end of the thirties, he was appointed secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine. Nikita Sergeevich headed the Soviet Union some time after the death of Stalin. It should be said that he had to compete for this post with G. Malenkov, who chaired the Council of Ministers and at that time was actually the leader of the country. But still, the leading role went to Nikita Sergeevich.
During the reign of Khrushchev N.S. as Secretary General of the USSR in the country:
- The first man was launched into space, and all sorts of developments in this area took place.
- A huge part of the fields were planted with corn, thanks to which Khrushchev was nicknamed the “corn farmer.”
- During his reign, active construction of five-story buildings began, which later became known as “Khrushchev buildings.”
Khrushchev became one of the initiators of the “thaw” in foreign and domestic policy, the rehabilitation of victims of repression. This politician made an unsuccessful attempt to modernize the party-state system. He also announced a significant improvement (on a par with capitalist countries) in living conditions for the Soviet people. At the XX and XXII Congresses of the CPSU, in 1956 and 1961. accordingly, he spoke harshly about the activities of Joseph Stalin and his cult of personality. However, the construction of a nomenklatura regime in the country, the forceful dispersal of demonstrations (in 1956 - in Tbilisi, in 1962 - in Novocherkassk), the Berlin (1961) and Caribbean (1962) crises, the aggravation of relations with China, the building of communism by 1980 and the well-known political call to “catch up and overtake America!” - all this made Khrushchev’s policy inconsistent. And on October 14, 1964, Nikita Sergeevich was relieved of his position. Khrushchev died on September 11, 1971, after long illness.
L. I. Brezhnev
The third in order on the list of general secretaries of the USSR is L. I. Brezhnev. Born in the village of Kamenskoye in the Dnepropetrovsk region on December 19, 1906. Member of the CPSU since 1931. He took the position of General Secretary as a result of a conspiracy. Leonid Ilyich was the leader of a group of members of the Central Committee (Central Committee) that removed Nikita Khrushchev. The era of Brezhnev's rule in the history of our country is characterized as stagnation. This happened for the following reasons:
- except for the military-industrial sphere, the country's development was stopped;
- The Soviet Union began to lag significantly behind Western countries;
- Repression and persecution began again, people again felt the grip of the state.
Note that during the reign of this politician there were both negative and favorable sides. At the very beginning of his reign, Leonid Ilyich played a positive role in the life of the state. He curtailed all the unreasonable undertakings created by Khrushchev in the economic sphere. In the first years of Brezhnev's rule, enterprises were given more independence, material incentives, and the number of planned indicators was reduced. Brezhnev tried to establish a good relationship with the USA, but he never succeeded. But after the introduction of Soviet troops into Afghanistan, this became impossible.
Period of stagnation
By the end of the 70s and the beginning of the 80s, Brezhnev's entourage was more concerned about their own clan interests and often ignored the interests of the state as a whole. The politician’s inner circle pleased the sick leader in everything and awarded him orders and medals. The reign of Leonid Ilyich lasted for 18 years, he was in power the longest, with the exception of Stalin. The eighties in the Soviet Union are characterized as a “period of stagnation.” Although, after the devastation of the 90s, it is increasingly presented as a period of peace, state power, prosperity and stability. Most likely, these opinions have a right to be, because the entire Brezhnev period of rule is heterogeneous in nature. L.I. Brezhnev held his position until November 10, 1982, until his death.
Yu. V. Andropov
This politician spent less than 2 years as Secretary General of the USSR. Yuri Vladimirovich was born into the family of a railway worker on June 15, 1914. His homeland is the Stavropol Territory, the city of Nagutskoye. Party member since 1939. Thanks to the fact that the politician was active, he quickly climbed the career ladder. At the time of Brezhnev’s death, Yuri Vladimirovich headed the State Security Committee.
He was nominated for the post of General Secretary by his comrades. Andropov set himself the task of reforming the Soviet state, trying to prevent the impending socio-economic crisis. But, unfortunately, I didn’t have time. During the reign of Yuri Vladimirovich Special attention paid to labor discipline in the workplace. While serving as Secretary General of the USSR, Andropov opposed the numerous privileges that were provided to employees of the state and party apparatus. Andropov showed this by personal example, refusing most of them. After his death on February 9, 1984 (due to a long illness), this politician was least criticized and most of all aroused public support.
K. U. Chernenko
On September 24, 1911, Konstantin Chernenko was born into a peasant family in the Yeisk province. He has been in the ranks of the CPSU since 1931. He was appointed to the position of General Secretary on February 13, 1984, immediately after Yu.V. Andropova. While governing the state, he continued the policies of his predecessor. He served as Secretary General for about a year. The death of the politician occurred on March 10, 1985, the cause was a serious illness.
M.S. Gorbachev
The politician's date of birth was March 2, 1931; his parents were simple peasants. Gorbachev’s homeland is the village of Privolnoye in the North Caucasus. He joined the ranks of the Communist Party in 1952. Acted as an active public figure, therefore he quickly moved along the party line. Mikhail Sergeevich completes the list of general secretaries of the USSR. He was appointed to this position on March 11, 1985. Later he became the only and last president of the USSR. The era of his reign went down in history with the policy of “perestroika”. It provided for the development of democracy, the introduction of openness, and the provision of economic freedom to the people. These reforms of Mikhail Sergeevich led to mass unemployment, a total shortage of goods and the liquidation of a huge number of state-owned enterprises.
Collapse of the Union
During the reign of this politician, the USSR collapsed. All fraternal republics of the Soviet Union declared their independence. It should be noted that in the West, M. S. Gorbachev is considered perhaps the most respected Russian politician. Mikhail Sergeevich has the Nobel Peace Prize. Gorbachev served as General Secretary until August 24, 1991. He headed the Soviet Union until December 25 of the same year. In 2018, Mikhail Sergeevich turned 87 years old.
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev was elected President of the USSR on March 15, 1990 at the III Extraordinary Congress people's deputies THE USSR.
December 25, 1991, in connection with the cessation of the existence of the USSR as public education, M.S. Gorbachev announced his resignation from the post of President and signed a Decree transferring control of strategic nuclear weapons to Russian President Yeltsin.
On December 25, after Gorbachev’s announcement of resignation, the red state flag of the USSR was lowered in the Kremlin and the flag of the RSFSR was raised. The first and last President of the USSR left the Kremlin forever.
The first president of Russia, then still the RSFSR, Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin was elected on June 12, 1991 by popular vote. B.N. Yeltsin won in the first round (57.3% of the votes).
In connection with the expiration of the term of office of the President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin and in accordance with the transitional provisions of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, elections for the President of Russia were scheduled for June 16, 1996. This was the only presidential election in Russia where two rounds were required to determine the winner. The elections took place from June 16 to July 3 and were distinguished by intense competition between candidates. The main competitors were considered the current President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin and the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation G. A. Zyuganov. According to the election results, B.N. Yeltsin received 40.2 million votes (53.82 percent), significantly ahead of G.A. Zyuganov, who received 30.1 million votes (40.31 percent). 3.6 million Russians (4.82%) voted against both candidates .
December 31, 1999 at 12:00 pm Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin voluntarily ceased to exercise the powers of the President of the Russian Federation and transferred the powers of the President to the Chairman of the Government Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. On April 5, 2000, the first President of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, was awarded pensioner and labor veteran certificates.
December 31, 1999 Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin became acting president of the Russian Federation.
In accordance with the Constitution, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation set March 26, 2000 as the date for holding early presidential elections.
On March 26, 2000, 68.74 percent of voters included in the voting lists, or 75,181,071 people, took part in the elections. Vladimir Putin received 39,740,434 votes, which amounted to 52.94 percent, that is, more than half of the votes. On April 5, 2000, the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation decided to recognize the presidential elections of the Russian Federation as valid and valid, and to consider Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin elected to the post of President of Russia.
Historians call the dates of Stalin's reign from 1929 to 1953. Joseph Stalin (Dzhugashvili) was born on December 21, 1879. Many contemporaries of the Soviet era associate the years of Stalin’s reign not only with the victory over Nazi Germany and the increasing level of industrialization of the USSR, but also with numerous repressions of the civilian population.
During Stalin's reign, about 3 million people were imprisoned and sentenced to death. And if we add to them those sent into exile, dispossessed and deported, then the victims among the civilian population in the Stalin era can be counted at about 20 million people. Now many historians and psychologists are inclined to believe that Stalin’s character a huge impact influenced by the situation within the family and childhood upbringing.
The emergence of Stalin's tough character
It is known from reliable sources that Stalin’s childhood was not the happiest and most cloudless. The leader's parents often argued in front of their son. The father drank a lot and allowed himself to beat his mother in front of little Joseph. The mother, in turn, took out her anger on her son, beat and humiliated him. The unfavorable atmosphere in the family greatly affected Stalin's psyche. Even as a child, Stalin understood a simple truth: whoever is stronger is right. This principle became the future leader’s motto in life. He was also guided by him in governing the country.
In 1902, Joseph Vissarionovich organized a demonstration in Batumi; this step was his first in his political career. A little later, Stalin became the Bolshevik leader, and his circle of best friends includes Vladimir Ilyich Lenin (Ulyanov). Stalin fully shares Lenin's revolutionary ideas.
In 1913, Joseph Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili first used his pseudonym - Stalin. From that time on, he became known by this last name. Few people know that before the surname Stalin, Joseph Vissarionovich tried on about 30 pseudonyms that never caught on.
Stalin's reign
The period of Stalin's reign begins in 1929. Almost the entire reign of Joseph Stalin was accompanied by collectivization, mass death of civilians and famine. In 1932, Stalin adopted the “three ears of corn” law. According to this law, a starving peasant who stole ears of wheat from the state was immediately subject to capital punishment - execution. All saved bread in the state was sent abroad. This was the first stage of industrialization of the Soviet state: the purchase of modern foreign-made equipment.
During the reign of Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin, massive repressions of the peaceful population of the USSR were carried out. The repressions began in 1936, when the post of People's Commissar of Internal Affairs of the USSR was taken by N.I. Yezhov. In 1938, on the orders of Stalin, his close friend Bukharin was shot. During this period, many residents of the USSR were exiled to the Gulag or shot. Despite all the cruelty of the measures taken, Stalin's policy was aimed at raising the state and its development.
Pros and cons of Stalin's rule
Minuses:
- strict board policy:
- the almost complete destruction of senior army ranks, intellectuals and scientists (who thought differently from the USSR government);
- repression of wealthy peasants and the religious population;
- the widening “gap” between the elite and the working class;
- oppression of the civilian population: payment for labor in food instead of monetary remuneration, working day up to 14 hours;
- propaganda of anti-Semitism;
- about 7 million starvation deaths during the period of collectivization;
- the flourishing of slavery;
- selective development of sectors of the economy of the Soviet state.
Pros:
- creation of a protective nuclear shield in the post-war period;
- increasing the number of schools;
- creation of children's clubs, sections and circles;
- space exploration;
- reduction in prices for consumer goods;
- low prices for utilities;
- development of industry of the Soviet state on the world stage.
During the Stalin era, the social system of the USSR was formed, social, political and economic institutions appeared. Joseph Vissarionovich completely abandoned the NEP policy and, at the expense of the village, carried out the modernization of the Soviet state. Thanks to the strategic qualities of the Soviet leader, the USSR won the Second World War. The Soviet state began to be called a superpower. The USSR joined the UN Security Council. The era of Stalin's rule ended in 1953. He was replaced as Chairman of the USSR Government by N. Khrushchev.
The first accession to Rus' took place in 1547, Ivan the Terrible became sovereign. Previously, the throne was occupied by the Grand Duke. Some Russian tsars could not maintain power; they were replaced by other rulers. Russia went through different periods: the Time of Troubles, palace coups, assassinations of kings and emperors, revolutions, years of terror.
The Rurik family tree ended with Fyodor Ioannovich, the son of Ivan the Terrible. For several decades, power passed to different monarchs. In 1613, the Romanovs ascended the throne; after the revolution of 1917, this dynasty was overthrown, and the world's first socialist state was established in Russia. Emperors were replaced by leaders and general secretaries. At the end of the twentieth century, a course was taken to create a democratic society. Citizens began to elect the president of the country by secret ballot.
John the Fourth (1533 - 1584)
Grand Duke, who became the first Tsar of All Rus'. Formally, he ascended the throne at the age of 3, when his father, Prince Vasily the Third, died. Officially took the royal title in 1547. The Emperor was known for his stern disposition, for which he received the nickname Terrible. Ivan the Fourth was a reformer; during his reign, the Code of Law of 1550 was drawn up, zemstvo assemblies began to be convened, changes were made in education, the army, and self-government.
The increase in Russian territory was 100%. The Astrakhan and Kazan Khanates were conquered, and the development of Siberia, Bashkiria, and the Don Territory began. The last years of the kingdom were marked by failures during the Livonian War and bloody years oprichnina, when most of the Russian aristocracy was destroyed.
Fyodor Ioannovich (1584 - 1598)
The middle son of Ivan the Terrible. According to one version, he became heir to the throne in 1581, when his older brother Ivan died at the hands of his father. He went down in history under the name Fyodor the Blessed. He became the last representative from the Moscow branch of the Rurik dynasty, since he left no heirs. Fyodor Ioannovich, unlike his father, was meek in character and kind.
During his reign, the Moscow Patriarchate was established. Several strategic cities were founded: Voronezh, Saratov, Stary Oskol. From 1590 to 1595 the Russian-Swedish war continued. Russia returned part of the Baltic Sea coast.
Irina Godunova (1598 - 1598)
Wife of Tsar Fyodor and sister of Boris Godunov. She and her husband had only one daughter, who died in infancy. Therefore, after the death of her husband, Irina became the heir to the throne. She was listed as queen for just over a month. Irina Fedorovna led an active social life during her husband’s life, even receiving European ambassadors. But a week after his death, she decided to become a nun and go to the Novodevichy Convent. After tonsure, she took the name Alexandra. Irina Fedorovna was listed as tsarina until her brother Boris Fedorovich was confirmed as sovereign.
Boris Godunov (1598 - 1605)
Boris Godunov was Fyodor Ioannovich's brother-in-law. Thanks to a happy accident, demonstrated ingenuity and cunning, he became the Tsar of Russia. His advancement began in 1570, when he joined the oprichniki. And in 1580 he was awarded the title of boyar. It is generally accepted that Godunov led the state during the time of Fyodor Ioannovich (he was incapable of this due to his soft character).
Godunov's reign was aimed at the development of the Russian state. He began to actively get closer to Western countries. Doctors, cultural and government figures came to Russia. Boris Godunov was known for his suspiciousness and repressions against the boyars. During his reign there was a terrible famine. The Tsar even opened the royal barns to feed the hungry peasants. In 1605 he died unexpectedly.
Fyodor Godunov (1605 - 1605)
He was an educated young man. He is considered one of the first cartographers of Russia. The son of Boris Godunov, was elevated to the throne at the age of 16, and became the last of the Godunovs on the throne. He reigned for just under two months, from April 13 to June 1, 1605. Fedor became king during the offensive of the troops of False Dmitry the First. But the governors who led the suppression of the uprising betrayed the Russian Tsar and swore allegiance to False Dmitry. Fyodor and his mother were killed in the royal chambers, and their bodies were put on display on Red Square. During the short period of the king's reign, the Stone Order was approved - this is an analogue of the Ministry of Construction.
False Dmitry (1605 - 1606)
This king came to power after an uprising. He introduced himself as Tsarevich Dmitry Ivanovich. He said that he was the miraculously saved son of Ivan the Terrible. Exist different versions about the origin of False Dmitry. Some historians say that this is a runaway monk, Grigory Otrepiev. Others argue that he could actually be Tsarevich Dmitry, who was secretly taken to Poland.
During the year of his reign, he brought back many repressed boyars from exile, changed the composition of the Duma, and banned bribery. On the foreign policy side, he was going to start a war with the Turks for access to the Sea of Azov. Opened the borders of Russia for the free movement of foreigners and compatriots. He was killed in May 1606 as a result of a conspiracy by Vasily Shuisky.
Vasily Shuisky (1606 - 1610)
Representative of the Shuisky princes from the Suzdal branch of the Rurikovichs. The tsar was little popular among the people and depended on the boyars, who elected him to rule. He tried to strengthen the army. A new military regulation was established. During Shuisky's time, numerous uprisings took place. The rebel Bolotnikov was replaced by False Dmitry the Second (allegedly False Dmitry the First, who escaped in 1606). Some regions of Russia swore allegiance to the self-proclaimed king. The country was also besieged by Polish troops. In 1610, the ruler was overthrown by the Polish-Lithuanian king. Until the end of his days he lived in Poland as a prisoner.
Vladislav the Fourth (1610 - 1613)
Son of the Polish-Lithuanian king Sigismund III. He was considered the sovereign of Russia during the Time of Troubles. In 1610 he took the oath of Moscow boyars. According to the Smolensk Treaty, he was supposed to take the throne after accepting Orthodoxy. But Vladislav did not change his religion and refused to change his Catholicism. He never came to Rus'. In 1612, the government of the boyars was overthrown in Moscow, who invited Vladislav the Fourth to the throne. And then it was decided to make Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov king.
Mikhail Romanov (1613 - 1645)
The first sovereign of the Romanov dynasty. This family belonged to the seven largest and most ancient families of Moscow boyars. Mikhail Fedorovich was only 16 years old when he was placed on the throne. His father, Patriarch Filaret, informally led the country. Officially, he could not be crowned king, since he had already been tonsured a monk.
During the time of Mikhail Fedorovich, normal trade and economy, undermined Time of Troubles. An “eternal peace” was concluded with Sweden and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The king ordered an accurate inventory of local lands to be made in order to establish the real tax. Regiments of the “new order” were created.
Alexey Mikhailovich (1645 - 1676)
In the history of Russia he received the nickname The Quietest. The second representative of the Romanov tree. During his reign, the Council Code was established, a census of tax houses was carried out and the male population was censused. Alexey Mikhailovich finally assigned the peasants to their place of residence. New institutions were founded: the orders of Secret Affairs, Accounting, Reitar and Grain Affairs. During the time of Alexei Mikhailovich, a church schism began; after the innovations, Old Believers appeared who did not accept the new rules.
In 1654, Russia was united with Ukraine, and the colonization of Siberia continued. By order of the king, copper money was issued. There was also an unsuccessful attempt at a high tax on salt, which caused salt riots.
Fedor Alekseevich (1676 - 1682)
Son of Alexei Mikhailovich and first wife Maria Miloslavskaya. He was very sickly, like all the children of Tsar Alexei from his first wife. He suffered from scurvy and other diseases. Fedor was declared heir after the death of his older brother Alexei. He ascended the throne at the age of fifteen. Fedor was very educated. During his short reign, a complete census was carried out. A direct tax was introduced. Localism was destroyed and rank books were burned. This excluded the possibility of boyars to occupy positions of power on the basis of the merits of their ancestors.
There was a war with the Turks and Crimean Khanate in 1676 - 1681. Left-bank Ukraine and Kyiv were recognized as Russia. Repressions against Old Believers continued. Fedor left no heirs; he died at the age of twenty, presumably from scurvy.
John the Fifth (1682 - 1696)
After the death of Fyodor Alekseevich, a twofold situation was created. He had two brothers left, but John was weak in health and mind, and Peter (the son of Alexei Mikhailovich from his second wife) was young in age. The boyars decided to put both brothers in power, and their sister Sofya Alekseevna became their regent. He was never involved in government affairs. All power was concentrated in the hands of the Naryshkin sister and family. The princess continued the fight against the Old Believers. Russia concluded a profitable “eternal peace” with Poland and an unfavorable agreement with China. She was overthrown in 1696 by Peter the Great and tonsured a nun.
Peter the Great (1682 - 1725)
The first Emperor of Russia, known as Peter the Great. He ascended the Russian throne together with his brother Ivan at the age of ten. Before 1696 rules together with him under the regency of his sister Sophia. Peter traveled to Europe, learned new crafts and shipbuilding. Turned Russia towards Western European countries. This is one of the country's most significant reformers
Its main bills include: reform local government and central administration, the creation of the Senate and Collegiums, a Synod and General Regulations were organized. Peter ordered the rearmament of the army, introduced a regular recruitment of recruits, and created a strong fleet. The mining, textile and processing industries began to develop, and monetary and educational reforms were carried out.
Under Peter, wars took place with the aim of seizing access to the sea: the Azov campaigns, the victorious Northern War, which gave access to the Baltic Sea. Russia expanded to the East and towards the Caspian Sea.
Catherine the First (1725 - 1727)
Second wife of Peter the Great. She took the throne because the last will of the emperor remained unclear. In the two years of the empress's reign, all power was concentrated in the hands of Menshikov and the Privy Council. During the time of Catherine the First, the Supreme Privy Council was created, and the role of the Senate was reduced to a minimum. Long wars during the time of Peter the Great affected the country's finances. Bread rose sharply in price, famine began in Russia, and the empress lowered the poll tax. There were no major wars in the country. The time of Catherine the First became famous for the organization of the Bering expedition to the Far North.
Peter the Second (1727 - 1730)
Grandson of Peter the Great, son of his eldest son Alexei (who was executed at the behest of his father). He ascended the throne at only 11 years old; real power was in the hands of the Menshikovs, and then the Dolgorukov family. Due to his age, he did not have time to show any interest in government affairs.
The traditions of the boyars and outdated orders began to be revived. The army and navy fell into decay. There was an attempt to restore the patriarchate. As a result, the influence of the Privy Council increased, whose members invited Anna Ioannovna to reign. During the time of Peter the Second, the capital was moved to Moscow. The emperor died at the age of 14 from smallpox.
Anna Ioannovna (1730 - 1740)
The fourth daughter of Tsar John the Fifth. She was sent by Peter the Great to Courland and married to the Duke, but was widowed after a couple of months. After the death of Peter the Second, she was invited to reign, but her powers were limited to the nobles. However, the Empress restored absolutism. The period of her reign went down in history under the name “Bironovschina”, after the surname of Biron’s favorite.
Under Anna Ioannovna, the office of Secret Investigative Affairs was established, which carried out reprisals against nobles. A reform of the fleet was carried out and the construction of ships, which had been slowed down in recent decades, was restored. The Empress restored the powers of the Senate. In foreign policy, the tradition of Peter the Great was continued. As a result of the wars, Russia received Azov (but without the right to maintain a fleet in it) and part of right-bank Ukraine, Kabarda in the North Caucasus.
John the Sixth (1740 - 1741)
Great-grandson of John the Fifth, son of his daughter Anna Leopoldovna. Anna Ioannovna had no children, but she wanted to leave the throne to the descendants of her father. Therefore, before her death, she appointed her grandnephew as her successor, and in the event of his death, Anna Leopoldovna’s subsequent children.
The emperor ascended the throne at the age of two months. His first regent was Biron, a couple of months later there was a palace coup, Biron was sent into exile, and John’s mother became regent. But she was in illusions and was incapable of ruling. Her favorites, Minikh and later Osterman, were overthrown during a new coup, and the little prince was arrested. The emperor spent his entire life in captivity in the Shlisselburg fortress. They tried to free him many times. One of these attempts ended in the murder of John the Sixth.
Elizaveta Petrovna (1741 - 1762)
Daughter of Peter the Great and Catherine the First. She ascended the throne as a result of a palace coup. She continued the policies of Peter the Great, finally restored the role of the Senate and many Collegiums, and abolished the Cabinet of Ministers. Conducted a population census and implemented new taxation reforms. On the cultural side, her reign went down in history as the Age of Enlightenment. In the 18th century, the first university, academy of arts, and imperial theater were opened.
In foreign policy she adhered to the behests of Peter the Great. During the years of her power, the victorious Russian-Swedish war and the Seven Years' War against Prussia, England and Portugal took place. Immediately after Russia's victory, the empress died, leaving no heirs. And Emperor Peter the Third gave all the territories received back to the Prussian King Frederick.
Peter the Third (1762 - 1762)
Grandson of Peter the Great, son of his daughter Anna Petrovna. He reigned for only six months, then, as a result of a palace coup, he was overthrown by his wife Catherine II, and a little later he lost his life. At first, historians assessed the period of his reign as negative for the history of Russia. But then they appreciated a number of the emperor’s merits.
Peter abolished the Secret Chancellery, began secularization (seizure) of church lands, and stopped persecuting the Old Believers. Adopted the “Manifesto on the Freedom of the Nobility.” Among the negative aspects is the complete annulment of the results of the Seven Years' War and the return of all conquered territories to Prussia. He died almost immediately after the coup due to unclear circumstances.
Catherine the Second (1762 - 1796)
The wife of Peter the Third came to power as a result of a palace coup, overthrowing her husband. Her era went down in history as a period of maximum enslavement of the peasants and extensive privileges for the nobles. So Catherine tried to thank the nobles for the power they received and strengthen her strength.
The period of rule went down in history as “the policy of enlightened absolutism.” Under Catherine, the Senate was transformed, provincial reform was carried out, and the Statutory Commission was convened. The secularization of the lands near the church was completed. Catherine the Second carried out reforms in almost every area. Police, city, judicial, educational, monetary, and customs reforms were carried out. Russia continued to expand its borders. As a result of the wars, Crimea, the Black Sea region, Western Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania were annexed. Despite significant successes, Catherine's era is known as a period of flourishing corruption and favoritism.
Paul the First (1796 - 1801)
Son of Catherine the Second and Peter the Third. The relationship between the empress and her son was strained. Catherine saw her grandson Alexander on the Russian throne. But before her death, the will disappeared, so power passed to Paul. The sovereign issued a law on succession to the throne and stopped the possibility of women ruling the country. The eldest male representative became the ruler. The position of the nobles was weakened and the position of the peasants was improved (a law on three-day corvee was adopted, the poll tax was abolished, and the separate sale of family members was prohibited). Administrative and military reforms were carried out. Drilling and censorship intensified.
Under Paul, Russia joined the anti-French coalition, and troops led by Suvorov liberated Northern Italy from the French. Paul also prepared a campaign against India. He was killed in 1801 during a palace coup organized by his son Alexander.
Alexander the First (1801 - 1825)
Eldest son of Paul the First. He went down in history as Alexander the Blessed. He carried out moderate liberal reforms, their developer was Speransky and members of the Secret Committee. The reforms were an attempt to weaken serfdom(decree on free cultivators), replacing Peter's colleges with ministries. A military reform was carried out, according to which military settlements were formed. They contributed to the maintenance of a standing army.
In foreign policy, Alexander maneuvered between England and France, drawing closer to one country or another. Part of Georgia, Finland, Bessarabia, and part of Poland joined Russia. Alexander won the Patriotic War of 1812 with Napoleon. He died unexpectedly in 1825, which gave rise to rumors that the king became a hermit.
Nicholas the First (1825 - 1855)
Third son of Emperor Paul. He rose to reign because Alexander the First did not leave behind heirs, and his second brother Constantine abandoned the throne. The first days of his accession began with the Decembrist uprising, which the emperor suppressed. The emperor tightened the state of the country, his policy was aimed against the reforms and relaxations of Alexander the First. Nicholas was harsh, for which he was nicknamed Palkin (punishment with canes was the most common in his time).
During the time of Nicholas, the Secret Police was created, tracking future revolutionaries, and laws were codified Russian Empire, Kankrin monetary reform and state peasant reform. Russia took part in wars with Turkey and Persia. At the end of Nicholas's reign, the difficult Crimean War took place, but the emperor died before it ended.
Alexander II (1855 - 1881)
The eldest son of Nicholas went down in history as a great reformer who ruled in the 19th century. In history, Alexander II was called the Liberator. The emperor had to end the bloody Crimean War, as a result, Russia signed an agreement that infringes on its interests. The great reforms of the emperor include: abolition of serfdom, modernization financial system, liquidation of military settlements, reforms of the middle and higher education, judicial and zemstvo reforms, improvement of local self-government and military reform, during which there was a refusal of recruits and the introduction of universal military service.
In foreign policy, he followed the course of Catherine II. Victories were won in the Caucasian and Russian-Turkish wars. Despite the great reforms, public discontent continued to grow. The emperor died as a result of a successful terrorist attack.
Alexander the Third (1881 - 1894)
During his reign, Russia did not wage a single war, for which Alexander the Third was called Emperor the Peacemaker. He adhered to conservative views and carried out a number of counter-reforms, unlike his father. Alexander the Third adopted the Manifesto on the inviolability of autocracy, increased administrative pressure, and destroyed university self-government.
During his reign, the law “On cooks’ children” was adopted. It limited educational opportunities for children from the lower classes. The situation of the liberated peasants improved. The Peasant Bank was opened, redemption payments were lowered and the poll tax was abolished. The emperor's foreign policy was characterized by openness and peacefulness.
Nicholas II (1894 - 1917)
The last emperor of Russia and representative of the Romanov dynasty on the throne. His reign was characterized by sharp economic development and the growth of the revolutionary movement. Nicholas II decided to go to war with Japan (1904 - 1905), which was lost. This increased public discontent and led to the revolution (1905 - 1907). As a result, Nicholas II signed a decree on the creation of the Duma. Russia became a Constitutional monarchy.
By order of Nicholas at the beginning of the 20th century, a agrarian reform(Stolypin project), monetary reform (Witte project) and the army was modernized. In 1914, Russia was drawn into the First World War. Which led to the strengthening of the revolutionary movement and the discontent of the people. In February 1917, a revolution took place, and Nicholas was forced to abdicate the throne. He was shot along with his family and courtiers in 1918. The imperial family is canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Georgy Lvov (1917 - 1917)
Russian politician, held power from March to July 1917. He was the head of the Provisional Government, bore the title of prince, and came from distant branches of the Rurikovichs. He was appointed by Nicholas II after signing his abdication. He was a member of the first State Duma. He worked as the head of the Moscow City Duma. During the First World War, he created a union to help the wounded and delivered food and medicine to hospitals. After the failure of the June offensive at the front and the July uprising of the Bolsheviks, Georgy Evgenievich Lvov voluntarily resigned.
Alexander Kerensky (1917 - 1917)
He was the head of the Provisional Government from July to October 1917, until the October Socialist Revolution. He was a lawyer by training, was a member of the Fourth State Duma, and a member of the Socialist Revolutionary Party. Alexander was Minister of Justice and Minister of War of the Provisional Government until July. Then he became chairman of the government, retaining the post of minister of war and navy. He was overthrown during the October Revolution and fled Russia. He lived in exile all his life and died in 1970.
Vladimir Lenin (1917 - 1924)
Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov is a major Russian revolutionary. Leader of the Bolshevik Party, Marxist theorist. During the October Revolution, the Bolshevik Party came to power. Vladimir Lenin became the leader of the country and the creator of the first socialist state in the history of the world.
During Lenin's reign, World War I ended in 1918. Russia signed a humiliating peace and lost part of the territories of the southern regions (they later re-entered the country). Important decrees on peace, land and power were signed. Continued until 1922 Civil War, in which the Bolshevik army won. Labor reform was carried out, a clear working day, mandatory days off and vacation were established. All workers received the right to a pension. Every person received the right to free education and healthcare. The capital was moved to Moscow. The USSR was created.
Along with many social reforms came persecution of religion. Almost all churches and monasteries were closed, property was liquidated or stolen. Mass terror and executions continued, an unbearable surplus appropriation system was introduced (a tax on grain and food paid by peasants), and a mass exodus of the intelligentsia and cultural elite was introduced. Died in 1924, in last years I was ill and practically cannot lead the country. This is the only person whose body still lies in an embalmed state on Red Square.
Joseph Stalin (1924 - 1953)
In the course of numerous intrigues, Joseph Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili became the leader of the country. Soviet revolutionary, supporter of Marxism. The time of his reign is still considered controversial. Stalin aimed the country's development towards mass industrialization and collectivization. Formed a super-centralized administrative-command system. His rule became an example of harsh autocracy.
Heavy industry was actively developing in the country, and there was an increase in the construction of factories, reservoirs, canals and other large-scale projects. But often the work was carried out by prisoners. The time of Stalin is remembered for mass terror, conspiracies against many intellectuals, executions, deportation of peoples, and violations of fundamental human rights. The personality cult of Stalin and Lenin flourished.
Stalin was the supreme commander during the Great Patriotic War. Under his leadership Soviet army won a victory in the USSR and reached Berlin, an act of unconditional surrender of Germany was signed. Stalin died in 1953.
Nikita Khrushchev (1953 - 1962)
Khrushchev's reign is called the "thaw". During his leadership, many political “criminals” were released or had their sentences commuted, and ideological censorship was reduced. The USSR was actively exploring space and for the first time under Nikita Sergeevich, our cosmonauts flew into outer space. The construction of residential buildings was developing at an active pace to provide apartments for young families.
Khrushchev's policy was aimed at combating personal farming. He forbade collective farmers from keeping personal livestock. The Corn Campaign was actively pursued - an attempt to make corn the main grain crop. Virgin lands were being developed en masse. Khrushchev's reign was remembered for the Novocherkassk execution of workers, the Cuban missile crisis, the beginning of the Cold War, and the construction of the Berlin Wall. Khrushchev was removed from his post as First Secretary as a result of the conspiracy.
Leonid Brezhnev (1962 - 1982)
The period of Brezhnev's rule in history was called the “era of stagnation.” However, in 2013 he was recognized as the best leader of the USSR. Heavy industry continued to develop in the country, and the light sector grew at a minimal rate. In 1972, an anti-alcohol campaign passed, and the volume of alcohol production decreased, but the shadow sector of surrogate distribution increased.
Under the leadership of Leonid Brezhnev, the Afghan War was launched in 1979. The international policy of the Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee was aimed at defusing world tensions in connection with the Cold War. A joint statement on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons was signed in France. In 1980, the Summer Olympics were held in Moscow.
Yuri Andropov (1982 - 1984)
Andropov was chairman of the KGB from 1967 to 1982, this could not but affect the short period of his reign. The role of the KGB was strengthened. Special units were created to supervise enterprises and organizations of the USSR. A large-scale strengthening campaign took place labor discipline in factories. Yuri Andropov began a general purge of the party apparatus. There were high-profile trials on corruption issues. He planned to begin modernizing the political apparatus and a series of economic transformations. Andropov died in 1984 as a result of kidney failure due to gout.
Konstantin Chernenko (1984 - 1985)
Chernenko became a leader of the state at the age of 72, already having serious problems with health. And he was considered just an intermediate figure. He was in power for a little less than a year. Historians disagree about the role of Konstantin Chernenko. Some believe that he slowed down Andropov’s initiatives by concealing corruption cases. Others believe that Chernenko continued the policies of his predecessor. Konstantin Ustinovich died of cardiac arrest in March 1985.
Mikhail Gorbachev (1985 - 1991)
He became the last general secretary of the party and the last leader of the USSR. Gorbachev's role in the life of the country is considered controversial. He received many awards, the most prestigious - Nobel Prize peace. Under him, fundamental reforms were carried out and state policy was changed. Gorbachev charted a course for “perestroika” - introduction market relations, democratic development of the country, openness and freedom of speech. All this led the unprepared country to a deep crisis. Under Mikhail Sergeevich they were withdrawn Soviet troops from Afghanistan, completed Cold War. The USSR and the Warsaw bloc collapsed.
Table of the reign of Russian tsars
A table representing all the rulers of Russia in chronological order. Next to the name of each king, emperor and head of state is the time of his reign. The diagram gives an idea of the succession of monarchs.
| Ruler name | The temporary period of government of the country |
| John the Fourth | 1533 – 1584 |
| Fedor Ioannovich | 1584 – 1598 |
| Irina Fedorovna | 1598 – 1598 |
| Boris Godunov | 1598 – 1605 |
| Fedor Godunov | 1605 – 1605 |
| False Dmitry | 1605 – 1606 |
| Vasily Shuisky | 1606 – 1610 |
| Vladislav the Fourth | 1610 – 1613 |
| Mikhail Romanov | 1613 – 1645 |
| Alexey Mikhailovich | 1645 – 1676 |
| Fedor Alekseevich | 1676 – 1682 |
| John the Fifth | 1682 – 1696 |
| Peter the First | 1682 – 1725 |
| Catherine the First | 1725 – 1727 |
| Peter the Second | 1727 – 1730 |
| Anna Ioannovna | 1730 – 1740 |
| John the Sixth | 1740 – 1741 |
| Elizaveta Petrovna | 1741 – 1762 |
| Peter the Third | 1762 -1762 |
| Catherine II | 1762 – 1796 |
| Pavel the First | 1796 – 1801 |
| Alexander the First | 1801 – 1825 |
| Nicholas the First | 1825 – 1855 |
| Alexander II | 1855 – 1881 |
| Alexander the Third | 1881 – 1894 |
| Nicholas II | 1894 – 1917 |
| Georgy Lvov | 1917 – 1917 |
| Alexander Kerensky | 1917 – 1917 |
| Vladimir Lenin | 1917 – 1924 |
| Joseph Stalin | 1924 – 1953 |
| Nikita Khrushchev | 1953 – 1962 |
| Leonid Brezhnev | 1962 – 1982 |
| Yuri Andropov | 1982 – 1984 |
| Konstantin Chernenko | 1984 – 1985 |
| Mikhail Gorbachev | 1985 — 1991 |
