Alexei Romanov, known as the Quietest, was the second tsar from the Romanov dynasty on the Russian throne. Although Peter the Great, Ivan the Terrible, and others are often mentioned when discussing Russian tsars, Alexei Mikhailovich remains in the shadows. His nickname, the Quietest, given by his contemporaries, reflects his character, but without him, the Russian Empire might not have survived.

Alexei was born on March 19, 1629, in Moscow to Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov and Evdokia Streshneva. He was baptized in the Chudov Monastery, and his godfather was Alexander, the cellarer of the Trinity Church. The name Alexei was chosen according to the saints, as March 17 was the feast day of Saint Alexei. Until the age of five, the boy was under the care of royal “nannies,” and then his education was taken over by Boyar Boris Morozov, who taught him reading and writing.

By the age of 11, Alexei began studying writing and church singing, and his favorite books were the Horologion, the Acts of the Holy Apostles, and the Psalter. He loved to read and by the age of 13 had assembled a respectable library, which included books such as “Grammar,” “Lexicon,” and “Cosmography.” In addition to his studies, Alexei was interested in music and horses. Morozov also took care of his wardrobe, dressing him in German suits for the first time. At 14, the tsarevich made his first public appearance, and at 16, after his father's death, he ascended the throne. His residence became Kolomenskoye.

Alexei's education was one-sided, and after ascending the throne, he faced difficulties he was not prepared to address. This led to a close relationship with Morozov, who was his main advisor during the first three years of his reign. However, over time, the tsar developed his own views on state affairs.

Alexei's character grew stronger and tougher. Foreign guests described him as a good-natured and quiet ruler who adhered to church rituals. Due to his piety and gentleness, he earned the nickname the Quietest.

Morozov remained an influential figure at court. When Alexei, at 18, decided to marry the daughter of Rafa Vsevolzhsky, Morozov prevented this marriage. Soon, the tsar married Maria Miloslavskaya, and Morozov took her sister Anna as his wife. This strengthened the influence of Morozov and the Miloslavskys at the royal court. However, Alexei identified mismanagement issues related to Morozov and introduced a salt tax, abolishing other taxes. This caused public discontent and led to the Salt Riots.

The tsar canceled the new tax, and public discontent subsided. Morozov returned to court but no longer interfered in state management. Alexei began to rely on his own knowledge and made several important decisions that changed the internal life of the state. He prohibited the white clergy from owning land and restricted peasants from changing owners.

The tsar paid attention to financial matters and tried to introduce a revised salt tax, but unsuccessfully. He eliminated minor customs duties and issued copper coins, which led to their devaluation and the Copper Riot.

In 1667, Alexei decided to build naval vessels, organizing a shipyard on the Oka River. However, no one understood why they were needed, as only one vessel reached Astrakhan.

Alexei did not make significant changes to legislation, but by his order, the Sobornoye Ulozhenie was established. He focused on defending the western borders and fought against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, seeking to reclaim territories. As a result, Russia acquired the Chernigov and Smolensk lands.

During Alexei's reign, part of the Ukrainian lands was under Polish control. The Zaporizhian Cossacks rose against the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and achieved victory, gaining autonomy. In 1654, Ukraine and Russia united, but this led to a new war with Poland. Alexei achieved victories, but after the Swedish invasion, he was forced to conclude peace with Poland.

After the death of Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky, his successor sided with the Poles, putting Russia in a difficult situation. The war claimed many lives, and the countries began negotiations for a truce, resulting in Russia losing its Baltic territories.

Alexei was married twice. His first wife was Maria Miloslavskaya, who bore him thirteen children. After her death, he married Natalia Naryshkina, with whom he had three children. The tsar had to raise sixteen children, three of whom became heirs to the throne. The daughters could not arrange their personal lives, and the children from different marriages often quarreled.

Alexei Mikhailovich died of a heart attack on February 9, 1676, at the age of 46, leaving the throne to his son Fyodor.