Death of a Great Power - The Partition of Poland

In 1795, the Polish people, who once controlled immense power in Eastern Europe, saw their country disappeared from the face of the world, devoured by its aggressive expansionist neighbors.

Who were the Vikings? (Part 2)

The Vikings proved themselves as ruthless and raiders and pirates. But beyond their pillaging, they also showed their skills as explorers. 

Documents in History: Supplementary Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Russia and Japan

The Treaty of Shimoda opened Japan for Russia, but in 1857, the Russians expanded their relations with the Japanese with a supplementary treaty.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 10)

The October Manifesto propelled Russia to constitutionalism and parliamentary government. Yet, Tsar Nicholas planned to revive his powers as an autocratic ruler. Explore how Russia's new age of freedom transpired and how Tsar Nicholas perverted the contents of the Manifesto for his benefit.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 9)

With the economy ceased and people rallied in streets against the Tsar and his autocratic powers, the Russian government faced paralysis and tougher challenges. In face of this, the Tsar ultimately conceded to reforms by signing the October Manifesto. Explore what were the contents of the October Manifesto and its effect to the Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 8)

As the Russian Empire plunged into anarchy, officials discussed measures to abate the situation, including the need for reforms. But the Tsar hesitated for any reforms. Explore how the government acted upon the proposed reforms that ultimately resulted to the October Manifesto continuing crisis that shook the government.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 7)

With the events of Bloody Sunday, the people rose up in support of the victims of the massacre. Reformist sentiments roared loudly as a result. Revolutionaries shouted for the ousting of the Tsar. Explore the events on the aftermath of Bloody Revolution that formed the Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 6)

With reforms and freedom constrained for decades, a war mishandled and a door opened for expression, Russians cried for changes Russia’s autocratic rule. They demanded civil rights, freedom, and social justice. But with a massacre in a cold January day, events spiraled out of control resulting to the Revolution of 1905. Explore how the event the 1905 Revolution transpired and brought the Tsardom went near the brink.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 5)

With the assignation of Interior Minister Plehve, a new Interior Minister, Pyotr Sviatopolk-Mirsky, relaxed controls against dissent. The relaxation resuscitated hopes of reforms. The Tsar fueled further calls for reforms when he plunged the country into the terrible Russo-Japanese War. Explore how the reformist movements restarted and the factor of the Russo-Japanese War contributed to the Russian Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 4)

Sentiments towards reforms and nationalism as embodied by parties and nourished by new political ideologies. Various parties then took root and nourish to various institution where Russians meet, talk, and see the wrongs in Russia. But the government continued to be oblivious to change and continued to repress signs of them. Explore how various institutions played a role in spreading the spirit of reforms amongst Russian and how the government acted to subdue them before the Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 3)

The Russian heartland saw the rise of various political parties embodying different ideologies and aspirations of the people. But besides the Russian, non-Russian minorities under the Empire also forged their own political parties. Explore these political parties in the satellite territories of the Russian Empire.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 2)

Russia’s course in the last 50 years of the 19th century saw changes in policies, society, and economy. The situations created new challenges and aspirations. With infusion of new ideologies, it led to the creation of political movements and parties. Explore what were the ideologies that spread and political parties that emerged, which played key roles in the Russian Revolution of 1905.

The Russian Revolution of 1905 (Part 1)

The 1905 Revolution shook the Russian Empire's foundation bringing change to its autocratic government. But its outcome created a profound change in the course of Russian History. Explore more how the Russian Revolution of 1905 transpired and how it changed Russia.

Who was Ludvig Nobel?

Ludvig Nobel - brother of Alfred Nobel and known as Russia's Rockefeller. Explore his life journey in becoming Baku's major oil baron.

How did the Baku Oil Industry Grew Under Tsarist Russia?

Baku oil fed the Azerbaijan economy today as it did before when it fed the Russian imperial economy. Explore how the oil industry in one of the oil rich cities in the world began and grow under the Russian Empire.

Nicholas I and Russia's First Railroads

Russia is a huge country sometimes resistant of change, even new technologies, like railroad, had numerous skeptics until the Tsar himself approved its construction. Explore how Tsar Nicholas I oversaw the construction of Russia’s first railroads.

Who were Russia's Benevolent Despots? (Part 3): Alexander II

With a confusion following the death of Tsar Alexander I, threats to the absolute power of the Romanovs emerged. It failed resulting to three decades of reactionary policies – only to conclude with the rise of the Tsar Liberator. Explore how Alexander II became a Benevolent Despot and became known as the Tsar Liberator.

Who were Russia's Benevolent Despots? (Part 2): Alexander I

With the death of Catherine, his grandson followed in her footstep in ruling as a Benevolent Despot. Explore how Alexander I ruled Russia as a absolute yet enlightened autocrat.

Who were Russia's Benevolent Despots? (Part 1): Catherine the Great

In 1762, Russia had a new ruler, a German Princess who rose up to the position of Tsar and autocrat. Her rule espoused a new type of leadership – Benevolent absolutism – which became the model of future Romanovs. Explore the reign of Russia’s benevolent despots with Catherine the Great as the first to embrace it.

What was the Decembrist Revolt? (Part 2)

With the death of Tsar Alexander I and all of Europe rattled by liberal-inspired movements, the Northern Society prepared to make their own. But how would their plan, so quickly conceived, work out?