The first Romanov Tsar (Michael-1613) was elected after a long period of decline and chaos within the country.

The new Tsar being a major stabilising and uniting factor within the emergent Russian nation.

Here’s how the monarchy started. The ninth and tenth centuries saw Viking chiefs ruling the major cities of Kiev and Novgorod, by the twelfth century the Russian people were considered united under the empire of Kiev with local princes ruling the country. The 13th century saw the Mongol invaders overrunning the southern steppes area (1223) and by the 14th century Ukraine and Byelorussia were controlled by Poland. Ivan The Great united the country (1462-1584) defeating the Mongols. He then proclaimed himself the first Tsar.

Catherine II (The Great) Empress, made the country the strongest power in Europe, annexing Poland, Byelorussia and the mighty Ukraine.

Alexander I reign saw the defeat of Napoleons invading army (1812) and he was succeeded by Nicholas I (1825) who saw Russia's involvement in the Crimean War (1853-1856). Alexander I and Alexander II modernised the country with industry and built the famous Trans-Siberian railway.

Nicholas II established an elected parliament (Duma) but his reforms of Russia's democracy fell apart due to corruption and intrigues. The result was the creation of the Bolshevik party and by 1917 the Russian
Revolution had started. The tsar abdicated in march and on in July 1918 he and his family were murdered by their Red army guards to prevent their rescue by the White army (anti communist forces). So ended the monarchy.

Peter the Great (1682-1725)
founded the capital of St Petersburg, modernised the country and created the first Russian Navy.