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Which Tsar freed the serfs?

Alexander II. Alexander II (1855-1881) freed over 40 million serfs. The document used to free them was called the "Liberation Manifesto" (1861). Alexander wanted to improve Russia in three areas - 1) Size 2) Economy and 3) Military. Because the serfs were freed, they could become laborers, which in turn would increase industrial production. After the serfs were freed, the Alexander's three ambitions came true.

What was Peter the Great's nickname?

The Gargantuan. The word Gargantuan is Latin for "big and strong." He was given this name because everyday he would go out and see what his fellow Muscovites were doing. If some peasant needed help building a barn, then Peter would stop and help him build it. This servanthood, if you will, was what earned him the peasants' love.

When was the "Time of Troubles" in Russian history?

1598-1613. Ivan IV (the Terrible) had groomed his elder son, Ivan Ivanovich, as his successor, but killed him in a fit of rage. As a result, on Ivan IV's death in 1584, the throne passed to his feeble-minded younger son, Fyodor I Ivanovich (1557-1598). He took no interest in affairs of state and was happy to let Boris Godunov act as de facto regent. Moreover, he left no heir and on his death the Rurik dynasty came to end. The "Time of Troubles" was characterized by internal chaos, famine, foreign invasions and the appearance of three "False Dmitris", who claimed the throne. In 1613 the Romanov dynasty came to the throne.

Who is credited with founding the first Russian secret police?

Ivan IV 'the Terrible'. It was called the oprichnina, a term that refers to a wider policy of ruling part of Russia by a body of 6,000 men of undoubted loyalty to the Tsar and equipped with sweeping powers.

In 1698, Peter the Great turned 17, and decided to go on a little cross continent adventure. His boat capsized and he was rescued by an Irishman, who in turn taught Peter about military strategy. This Irishman came back to Russia with Peter, and became his Military Adviser. What was his name?

Pat Gordon. When Pat Gordon rescued Peter, they become friends. Peter taught Pat about sailing, and Pat taught Peter about fighting. Years later (1709) Prince Charles XII of Sweden launched a war against Russia. Charles' army approached from the north, and Peter and a large number of troops moved north. Gordon and a small brigade of men were going to move in from the east and attack from the flank. Charles foresaw this, and ambushed Gordon and his troops. Pat Gordon was killed in the ambush.