The Romanovs – A Brief History of Mikhail Romanov

Mikhail seems to be an apt name for pivotal Russian leaders – just as the Soviet Union fell during the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, the first Romanov Tsar, Mikhail Romanov, ascended to the throne in 1613.

After being elected to rule during the Time of Troubles wherein Russia was laden with serf uprisings and schemes to control the throne, it is no surprise that the sixteen year old boy was utterly terrified of his upcoming role. Being chosen due to his connections to the last Tsar of the Rurik dynasty (Tsardom during mediaeval Russia), Mikhail was forced away from his home – a monastery 200 miles from Moscow – and was swiftly coronated.

Despite being the figurehead of the Russian people, Mikhail himself was somewhat inactive. His lack of education meant that his mother, a nun by the name of Martha, was handed all responsibility for restoring Russian order and supremacy. Martha and her political allies resolved disputes with Poland and Sweden, starting this new era of Russian history with vibrant success.

But what for Mikhail’s father? The monk known as Filaret had been exiled to Poland and was released after almost two decades in 1619, one year after Martha’s peace settlement success. Upon his return he, much like Mikhail’s mother, gained copious amounts of power and became co-ruler. Mikhail’s government strengthened and promoted serfdom, concentrated power so that it lay in the hands of the privileged few and solved Russia’s financial issues.

In hindsight, Mikhail’s youth and lack of education ensured that he never fully embodied the role of Tsar. Until his death, where he left his throne to his son Alexis, Russia was ruled by relatives of the Tsar – and perhaps for the better. After the Time of Troubles, Russia desperately required its authorities to take action to restore stability, which did indeed occur. The fragility of one’s position of Tsar was strengthened during Mikhail’s reign, even if not by the designated leader himself…