Russia 1856-1956

The Crimean War

Oct 25, 1853

The Crimean War saw the forces of four powers (Britain, France, Piedmont-Sardinia and Ottoman Empire) besiege the southern Russian naval base of Sebastopol, and by 1855 the Russian forces were on the brink of defeat.

Death of Tsar Nicholas I

Mar 2, 1855

Coronation of Tsar Alexander I

Sep 7, 1855

Tsar Alexander I was the son of the late Tsar Nicholas I

Imperial Ukase

Jun 28, 1861

Alexander II brought about a revolution from above during his reign. Ukase in Imperial Russia was a proclamation of the tsar, government or a religious leader that had the force of law. After the Russian Revolution a government proclamation of wide meaning was called a 'decree'; more specific proclamations were called ukaz.

Assassination of Tsar Alexander II

Mar 13, 1881

In 1881, a group of radicals, called 'Peoples Will' assassinated Tsar Alexander II.

'Great Spurt'

Jun 28, 1890

In the 1980s the Russian government began a period of rapid economic growth. This 'Great Spurt' towards economic modernisation was orchestrated by the Finance Minister.

First World War

Jul 28, 1914

From the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 to the mid 1920s Russia went through a period of crisis. World War was followed by revolution and Civil War.

Vladimir Lenin becomes Prime Minister

Nov 8, 1917

Established communist dictatorship over Russia during the period he was in charge

Great Purge

Jun 28, 1936

The Great Purge was a series of campaigns of political repression and persecution in the Soviet Union orchestrated by Stalin. Stalin had launched a terror campaign against the entire Russian population.

'Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union'

Jun 22, 1941

The term 'Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union' is used in Russia and some other states of the former Soviet Union to describe the portion of WWII against Nazi Germany and its allies in the Eastern Front

Death of Stalin

Mar 5, 1953