Tsar of all Russia Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Tsar of all Russia
Standard of the Tsar (c. 1693)

Last to Reign Peter I 7 May 1682 – 2 November 1721

Details
Style	His Majesty
First monarch	Ivan IV
Last monarch	Peter I
Formation	16 January 1547
Abolition	2 November 1721
Appointer	Hereditary

The Tsar of all Russia was the official title for the ruler of Russia from 1547 to 1721. During this time, Russia was known as a tsardom. This means it was a country ruled by a tsar.

The very first Russian ruler to be crowned tsar was Ivan IV. Before him, rulers were called "sovereign and grand prince." Later, in 1721, Peter I changed his title to "emperor" and declared Russia an empire. Even after this change, people still often called the emperor "tsar."

What Was the Tsar's Title?
How Did the Title Change?
List of Tsars
See also

What Was the Tsar's Title?

The full title of a tsar could be very long. It changed depending on the ruler and the lands they controlled. For example, Tsar Alexis had a very long title. It listed many lands he ruled, like Great Russia, Little Russia, and White Russia. It also mentioned cities and regions like Moscow, Kiev, and Siberia. This long title showed how powerful and widespread the tsar's rule was.

How Did the Title Change?

The idea of a Russian ruler being called "tsar" grew over time.

Early Rulers and New Titles

Ivan III, a grand prince, started using the title "sovereign of all Russia." This happened after his country grew bigger and he married Sophia Palaiologina. He wanted to show that he was the rightful ruler of all former Russian lands. Ivan III also sometimes used the title "tsar" when talking with leaders from other countries.

His son, Vasily III, continued to use the title of tsar. Other European leaders, like the Holy Roman Emperor, even called Vasily III "Kayser" or "imperator." This showed they saw him as a very important ruler, similar to an emperor.

Ivan the Terrible Becomes the First Tsar

In 1533, Ivan IV became ruler when he was only three years old. On January 16, 1547, at age 16, Ivan IV was the first to be officially crowned tsar. His coronation ceremony was very grand and followed old traditions.

Other powerful leaders, like the patriarch of Constantinople, eventually agreed to Ivan IV using the title of tsar. They even compared him to a Byzantine emperor. This helped Russia gain more respect on the world stage.

Times of Trouble and New Dynasties

After Feodor I died without children in 1598, Russia went through a difficult period called the Time of Troubles. There was political chaos and even people pretending to be the rightful ruler. One such imposter, False Dmitry I, tried to claim the title of "imperator."

Eventually, the Romanov family took over from the old Rurik dynasty. The first Romanov tsar, Michael Romanov, was chosen by a special council. This meant he had to work hard to be recognized as the true ruler and tsar by other European countries. Most countries eventually accepted Michael as the ruler.

Peter the Great Becomes Emperor

Peter I wanted Russia to be seen as a major European power. He believed it was important for other countries to recognize his title as equal to an emperor. After a big victory in a war against Sweden, Peter I was urged by his advisors to accept new titles.

On November 2, 1721, Peter I officially adopted the title of emperor. He was also given the titles "Father of the Fatherland" and "All-Russian Emperor." This marked the end of the "tsar" as the official highest title and the start of the Russian Empire.

List of Tsars

Here is a list of the main tsars who ruled Russia:

Name	Lifespan	Reign start	Reign end	Notes	Family
Ivan IV the Terrible Иван Васильевич (Иван Грозный)	25 August 1530 – 28 March 1584	26 January 1547	28 March 1584	Son of Vasily III and Elena Glinskaya	Rurik
Feodor I the Blessed Фёдор Иванович (Фёдор Блаженный)	31 May 1557 – 17 January 1598	28 March 1584	17 January 1598	Son of Ivan IV and Anastasia Zakharyina-Yuryeva	Rurik
Boris Борис Фёдорович Годунов	1551 – 13 April 1605	21 February 1598	13 April 1605	Brother-in-law of Feodor I Elected by Zemsky Sobor	Godunov [ru]
Feodor II Фёдор Борисович Годунов	1589 – 20 June 1605	13 April 1605	10 June 1605	Son of Boris Godunov and Maria Grigorievna Skuratova-Belskaya Murdered	Godunov [ru]
False Dmitry I Лжедмитрий I	1581 – 17 May 1606	20 June 1605	17 May 1606	Claimed to be son of Ivan IV Murdered	Rurik (claimed)
Vasily IV Василий Иванович Шуйский	22 September 1552 – 12 September 1612	19 May 1606	17 July 1610	Orchestrated a conspiracy against False Dmitry, proclaimed Tsar by the nobles and later desposed Pretender: False Dmitry II (since June 1607)	Shuysky
Michael Михаил Фёдорович	12 July 1596 – 12 July 1645	26 July 1613	12 July 1645	Founder of Romanov Dynasty First cousin once removed of Feodor I Co-ruler: Patriarch Filaret (1619–1633)	Romanov
Alexis the Quietest Алексей Михайлович (Алексей Тишайший)	9 May 1629 – 29 January 1676	12 July 1645	29 January 1676	Son of Michael and Eudoxia Streshneva	Romanov
Feodor III Фёдор III Алексеевич	9 June 1661 – 7 May 1682	29 January 1676	7 May 1682	Son of Alexis and Maria Miloslavskaya	Romanov
Ivan V Иван V Алексеевич	6 September 1666 – 8 February 1696	7 May 1682	8 February 1696	Son of Alexis and Maria Miloslavskaya Younger brother of Feodor III and Sophia Elder half-brother of Peter I Co-ruler: Peter I Regent: princess Sophia (8 June 1682 – 17 September 1689)	Romanov
Peter I Пётр I Алексеевич	9 June 1672 – 8 February 1725	7 May 1682	2 November 1721	Son of Alexis and Natalya Naryshkina Younger half-brother of Feodor III Co-ruler: Ivan V (7 May 1682 – 8 February 1696) Regent: Natalya Naryshkina (7 May – 2 June 1682), Sophia Alekseyevna (8 June 1682 – 17 September 1689)	Romanov