Alexander I of Russia

NAME: Alexander I Pavlovich (nicknamed "the Blessed")

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Leading Russia during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, forming the Holy Alliance, and enacting various reforms aiming to modernize the country.

BIRTH: December 23, 1777, St. Petersburg, Russia

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Alexander I was the first child of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich (later Paul I) and Grand Duchess Maria Fyodorovna, a princess of Württemberg-Montbéliard. He was raised by his grandmother due to strained relations with his father.

CHILDHOOD: Alexander as sheltered and emotionally isolated.  He witnessed his father's assassination, leaving a lasting psychological impact. 

His grandmother, the reigning Empress Catherine II (the Great), took him from his parents and raised him herself to prepare him to succeed her.  Catherine was determined to disinherit her own son, Pavel, who repelled her due to his instability.

EDUCATION: Alexander's private tutor was Frédéric-César La Harpe, a Swiss citizen and a republican by conviction. La Harpe inspired deep affection in his pupil and permanently shaped his flexible and open mind. 

Alexander received extensive instruction in philosophy, history, and languages. He developed a strong sense of justice and compassion.

CAREER RECORD:  Alexander became Emperor of Russia when his father, Emperor Paul I, was assassinated on March 23, 1801. Alexander was in the palace at the time of the assassination and his accession was announced by General Nicholas Zubov, one of the assassins , leaving a lasting psychological impact. 

Initially liberalizing reforms, he shifted towards conservatism under political pressure. 

Alexander alternately fought and befriended Napoleon I during the Napoleonic Wars. Ultimately, he helped form the coalition that defeated Napoleon in 1813–15.

He participated in the Congress of Vienna (1814–15) and drove for the establishment of the Holy Alliance (1815) which promoted peace and monarchy. Alexander struggled with internal tensions and ultimately failed to implement major reforms.

Alexander I's reign saw significant political developments, including his role in shaping post-Napoleonic Europe. His liberal reforms in education led to the establishment of the University of Moscow. Although he corrected many injustices from the preceding reign, he failed to carry out the abolition of serfdom .

APPEARANCE: Tall and handsome, with piercing blue eyes. Alexander I was often depicted in simple military uniforms, portraying a humble image.

Portrait by George Dawe, c. 1825-29

FASHION: Alexander preferred practicality and comfort over ostentatiousness. He adopted military uniforms as everyday attire.

CHARACTER: Alexander was complex and enigmatic, idealistic yet prone to self-doubt and melancholy. He had a strong sense of moral responsibility but struggled with indecisiveness.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Witty and dry, but enjoyed philosophical discussions more than lighthearted jokes.

RELATIONSHIPS:  On October 9, 1793, at the Winter Palace, Alexander wed Louise of Baden, also known as Elisabeth Alexeyevna. At the time of their marriage, Alexander was fifteen, and Elisabeth was fourteen.

The initial phase of their union was marked by happiness. Although Elisabeth was known for her beauty, she tended to be shy and reserved. However, as time passed, Alexander confided in his friend, Frederick William III, revealing that the marriage, orchestrated as a political alliance by his grandmother, Catherine the Great, had unfortunately turned out to be a source of distress for both him and his wife.

During their marriage, they welcomed two daughters, both of whom tragically passed away in early childhood.

MONEY AND FAME: Alexander had an opulent lifestyle as Tsar, but was personally uninterested in excessive wealth. His fame grew throughout Europe after Napoleonic victory.

FOOD AND DRINK: While his specific culinary preferences are not widely documented, Alexander likely enjoyed the rich Russian cuisine of his time.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Alexander patronized the arts, supporting composers, painters, and writers. His reign witnessed the flourishing of Russian literature and culture.

LITERATURE: Alexander’s era saw the rise of literary giants like Pushkin and Lermontov. He appreciated and encouraged Russian literature and enjoyed French Enlightenment philosophers and poetry.

NATURE: Alexander’s love for nature is evident in his support for scientific expeditions and exploration. He was a patron of naturalists and geographers.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: His interests included horse riding, hunting, and outdoor activities. Also enjoyed billiards.

Equestrian portrait of Alexander I by Franz Krüger (1837, posthumous)

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Alexander promoted scientific research and funded expeditions to explore Siberia and the Arctic. His reign witnessed advancements in mathematics and astronomy.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Alexander I, a staunch Christian, played a pivotal role in establishing the Russian Bible Society in 1812, dedicated to translating the Bible into Russian. 

Amid the Napoleonic Wars, he engaged in correspondence with various evangelical European leaders. As Napoleon's campaign reached a critical juncture, Alexander sought comfort in mystical pietism, regularly convening prayer meetings.

In 1815, Alexander initiated the Holy Alliance among Austria, Russia, and Prussia. Initially conceived with the goal of realizing lofty Christian ideals across European nations, the alliance eventually dwindled in significance over time.

He was deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing reason, justice, and religious tolerance. Later Alexander adopted more conservative, Christian views.

SCANDAL: Rumors of extramarital affairs and potential involvement in his father's assassination, though never proven.

MILITARY RECORD: Alexander personally participated in campaigns against Napoleon, displaying courage and leadership. Oversaw the successful defense of Russia and eventual defeat of Napoleon.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Robust and athletic in his youth, but suffered from various ailments later in life, including depression and digestive problems.

His health was tested during the Napoleonic Wars, where stress and strategic decisions took a toll.

HOMES: His primary residence was the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, a grand symbol of imperial power.

He also spent time at the Tsarskoye Selo in Pushkin and Peterhof palace in St Petersburg, surrounded by opulence.

TRAVEL: Alexander extensively traveled throughout Europe during and after the Napoleonic Wars, participating in diplomatic conferences.

DEATH: During the fall of 1825, Tsar Alexander I embarked on a journey to the southern regions of Russia due to his wife's worsening illness. Unfortunately, he contracted a cold during the trip, which eventually evolved into typhus. He succumbed to the illness in the southern city of Taganrog on December 1, 1825.

The sudden demise of Alexander in Taganrog, accompanied by purportedly suspicious circumstances, led to the circulation of rumors suggesting that the tsar might not have truly passed away but instead vanished to live out the remainder of his life in anonymity.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Alexander’s life has inspired various portrayals in literature, film, and television. Writers and filmmakers have explored his character, struggles, and impact on history.

ACHIEVEMENTS: As Emperor, Alexander navigated the Napoleonic Wars, forming alliances and leading Russia to victory.

His liberal reforms in education, including the establishment of the University of Moscow, left a lasting impact.

Source Encyclopedia Of Trivia