House of Romanov facts for kids

The House of Romanov (Russian: Рома́нов) was the second and last royal family to rule Russia. They were the emperors and empresses of Russia from 1613 until 1917. This was when the February Revolution caused the last emperor to step down.

Later on, the family was sometimes called the House of Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov. This happened because a duke from the Oldenburg family married into the Romanov family in the mid-1700s. Even though they were officially known as the House of Romanov, these descendants had connections to both families.

The Romanov Family Comes to Power

The Romanov family became important in Russia during a difficult time. This period was known as the "Time of Troubles." It happened after the Rurik dynasty, Russia's first ruling family, ended. Many people were fighting for power.

Choosing a New Ruler

In 1613, a special meeting was held. It was called the Zemsky Sobor, which means "Assembly of the Land." This assembly chose a new ruler for Russia. They picked a young man named Michael Romanov. He was only 16 years old.

Michael I Becomes Tsar

Michael Romanov was related to the old Rurik dynasty. This made him a good choice for many people. He became Tsar Michael I. His rule marked the start of the Romanov dynasty. This family would rule Russia for over 300 years.

Important Romanov Rulers

Many famous rulers came from the Romanov family. They changed Russia in big ways.

Peter the Great

One of the most famous was Peter the Great (1672–1725). He ruled from 1682 to 1725. Peter wanted to make Russia more like Western European countries. He brought in new ideas about science, education, and the military.

Peter's Changes to Russia

Peter moved the capital of Russia to a new city he built. This city was called Saint Petersburg. He also created a strong navy and a modern army. Peter's changes helped Russia become a major European power.

Catherine the Great

Another powerful ruler was Catherine the Great. She was empress from 1762 to 1796. Catherine was known for expanding Russia's territory. She also supported arts and education.

Catherine's Impact

Catherine the Great was a very intelligent ruler. She tried to bring new laws and ideas to Russia. Her reign is often called a "Golden Age" for the Russian Empire.

The End of the Romanov Rule

The Romanov dynasty ended in 1917. This happened during World War I. Russia was facing many problems at the time.

Nicholas II, the Last Tsar

Nicholas II was the last Romanov emperor. He ruled from 1894 to 1917. During his rule, Russia faced many challenges. There was a lot of unrest among the people.

The February Revolution

In February 1917, a big uprising happened in Russia. This was called the February Revolution. People were unhappy with the war and the way the country was run. Nicholas II was forced to step down from his throne.

After the Tsar Stepped Down

Nicholas II tried to give the throne to his brother, Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich. But Michael refused to accept it. He said he would only take the throne if the people of Russia voted for it. This meant the end of the Romanov rule in Russia.

Images for kids

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  A 16th-century home of the Yuryev-Zakharyin boyars near the Kremlin.

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  A silver coin from 1913. It shows Emperor Nikolai II and Michael I.

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  A crowd asking Mikhail Romanov's mother to let him become tsar.

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  Peter the Great (1672–1725).

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  Members of the Romanov family gathered in 1892.

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  The Romanovs visiting a regiment during World War I. From left: Grand Duchess Anastasia, Grand Duchess Olga, Tsar Nicholas II, Tsarevich Alexei, Grand Duchess Tatiana, and Grand Duchess Maria.

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  Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich with his wife and children.

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  Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg in 1928.

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  Tombstones of Tsar Nicholas II and his family in St. Catherine's Chapel.

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  The coat of arms of the Tsardom of Poland.

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  The Grand Kremlin Palace, Moscow.

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  The throne of the Tsar in the Grand Kremlin Palace.

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  The Winter Palace, Saint Petersburg.

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  The Peterhof Palace, Saint Petersburg.

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  The Catherine Palace, Tsarskoye Selo.

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  Aerial view of the Peter and Paul Fortress with Peter and Paul Cathedral.

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía Románov para niños