Alexei Mikhailovich, the second tsar from the Romanov dynasty, was crowned on July 14 (24), 1645. At that time, the dynasty had not yet secured its position on the Russian throne. His reign coincided with the "time of troubles," which began with the Time of Troubles and continued with wars, popular uprisings, and the church schism. Alexei Mikhailovich, possessing intelligence and will, managed to maintain power. His life, like the era, is full of mysteries.

Alexei Mikhailovich was born in Moscow on March 9 (19), 1629, to Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov and Yevdokiya Lukyanovna Streshneva. He is known as the Quietest, although this title is more related to a mistranslation of the Latin "clementissimus" than to his character. The people, weary of terror, dreamed of peace, but the time demanded different qualities from the tsar. Alexei Mikhailovich was deeply religious, just, and educated, but he could show firmness towards enemies and rebels. He established the Order of Secret Affairs to oversee state institutions.

The tsar personally participated in military campaigns, leaving the royal chambers for a time. His son, Peter I, inherited from him a love for military affairs and everything foreign. Alexei Mikhailovich wrote and edited decrees himself, being the first of the Russian tsars to sign them. He read petitions directly in church.

Alexei Mikhailovich became tsar at the age of 16, just like his father. At the beginning of his reign, the boyar Boris Morozov handled state affairs. During this time, the young tsar was fond of hunting and visiting monasteries. Morozov dreamed of becoming related to the tsar and married him to Maria Miloslavskaya. Alexei Mikhailovich lived with her for 21 years; she bore him 13 children, but many of them were not in good health.

After his wife's death, the tsar married Natalya Naryshkina, choosing her from many candidates. She gave birth to Peter, the future Peter the Great. Natalya Kirillovna was a woman of free morals, which was unusual for that time.

Alexei Mikhailovich was interested in everything foreign, attempted to establish the supply of foreign press, and organized a postal line. He was fond of chess, astrology, gardening, and even theater. In 1672, Russia saw the first performance of "The Action of Artaxerxes."

In foreign policy, the tsar successfully maneuvered between unfriendly neighbors and reformed the army along European lines. During his reign, new territories joined Russia, including Ukraine. This happened thanks to Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky, who appealed to the tsar for protection from Poland.

Domestically, Alexei Mikhailovich faced popular uprisings caused by taxes and economic difficulties. He brutally suppressed the Copper Riot but abolished copper money. The uprising of Stepan Razin became one of the largest in Russian history but was suppressed.

The church schism began due to the reforms of Patriarch Nikon, who sought to bring the Russian Orthodox Church to a unified Greek model. This met with resistance, and eventually, Nikon was stripped of his rank. The schism lasted until the 20th century.

The reign of Alexei Mikhailovich was a time of confrontation between Western influences and Russian traditions. He managed to maintain power and expand the borders of the state, but at the cost of increasing pressure on the people. Under him, Russia continued its movement towards absolute monarchy. The rivalry between the Miloslavskys and Naryshkins continued until the ascension of Peter the Great.