Aleksandr I Pavlovich (
Russian: Александр I Павлович) (
December 23,
1777 –
December 1,
1825?), was
Emperor of
Russia from
23 March 1801-
1 December 1825 and Ruler of Poland from
1815–
1825, as well as the first
Grand Duke of Finland.He was born in
Saint Petersburg to
Grand Duke Paul Petrovich, later Emperor
Paul I, and
Maria Feodorovna, daughter of the
Duke of Württemberg. Alexander succeeded to the throne after his father was murdered, and ruled Russia during the chaotic period of the
Napoleonic Wars. In the first half of his ruling Alexander tried to introduce liberal reforms, while in the second half he turned to a much more arbitrary manner of conduct, which led to the abolishing of many early reforms. In foreign policy Alexander gained certain success, having won several campaigns. In particular under his rule Russia acquired Finland and part of Poland. The strange contradictions of his character make Alexander one of the most interesting Tsars. Adding to this, his death was shrouded in mystery, and location of his body remains unknown.
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