The Russian Empire was proclaimed by Peter the Great after Russia's victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War, when the Senate gave him the title of emperor. Over the next two centuries it expanded across Siberia and Central Asia, into the Caucasus, Poland and Finland, and even to Alaska, which was sold to the United States in 1867. It was ruled by autocratic tsars, including Catherine the Great and Alexander I, who helped defeat Napoleon. Serfdom was abolished in 1861 and a parliament, the Duma, was created after the 1905 revolution, but strains deepened during the First World War. Nicholas II abdicated in March 1917, and a republic was proclaimed in September.
Before and after
- from 28 December 1718 to 5 January 1719Carolean Death March
- 25 April 1719Publication of Robinson Crusoe
- from c. 1720s to 1740sCampaigns of Nader Shah
- 30 August 1721Treaty of Nystad
- from 22 October 1721 to 1 September 1917Russian Empire
- 1722Construction of Élysée Palace
- 1723Founding of Montevideo
- June 1723Birth of Adam Smith
- 22 January 1724Founding of Saint Petersburg State University
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- 6 August 1538Founding of Bogotá
- 12 June 1550Founding of Helsinki
- 11 March 1565Founding of Rio de Janeiro
- from 26 July 1581 to 19 January 1795Dutch Republic
- 1614Founding of Tirana
- 1624Founding of New York City
The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 18th century.