Alexander I (1777-1825) was czar of Russia from 1801 to 1825 and a member of the Romanov line of rulers. He became known for his stubborn struggle with Emperor Napoleon I of France. Russia finally defeated Napoleon after France invaded Russia in 1812. Alexander was influential at the Congress of Vienna, which in 1815 approved Russian territorial gains in Poland, Finland, and Bessarabia. The same year, he led the formation of the Holy Alliance (see Holy Alliance ).
Alexander was born on Dec. 23, 1777. He was the grandson of Catherine the Great. Alexander was kind and well-intentioned. At the beginning of his reign, he considered freeing Russia’s serfs, introducing a constitution, and limiting the czars’ powers. But Alexander was also weak, and nothing came of these projects. Disappointed liberal army officers tried unsuccessfully to overthrow the government soon after Alexander died on Dec. 1, 1825.
See also Russia (Alexander I) ; Vienna, Congress of .
