Constantine I
Tsar Constantine I
Constantine was the son of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia and younger brother of Tsesarevich Alexander. Upon the death of his father, Alexander was accused of patricide and regicide, and subsequently removed from the line of succession, and Constantine was named Tsar. Nicholas's military cabinet assumed executive control of Russia, effectively turning the Empire into a military dictatorship with Constantine retaining only ceremonial powers. Under this leadership, Russia entered the Austro-Prussian War on the side of Austria, but was defeated in humiliating fashion. Russia's ineffective military performance reduced Russia from Great Power status in Europe.
Constantine took executive control back from the military in 1866 following the war, and immediately implemented changes. Among his first decrees was the abolition of serfdom, and the reimbursement to their masters out of the Royal Treasury. Censorship was lessened, freedom of the press returned, the cultural arts and sciences were invested in, minorities gained civil liberties, and quality of life improved. Constantine also implemented steps to modernize the army and navy. Most importantly, legislative power was given to the Imperial Duma, and Constantine signed a constitution sharing power with an elective assembly and a Prime Minister. Not all of these reforms were universally liked, however, as they fostered further independence sentiments in Poland.
Constantine was not without his own succession crisis, as Tsesarevich Nicholas proved to be too rambunctious for Russian society. Having had an affair with a married American dancer and stolen diamonds from the Imperial Treasury, the Duma and Prime Minister demanded the Tsar act. Nicholas was declared insane and exiled, while his younger brother Constantine was declared Tsesarevich.
Upon the death of the elder Alexander, Alexander the Younger rose up in rebellion against the liberal reforms and what the conservatives believe was a Russophobic agenda. During the ensuing war , Alexander negotiated an alliance with Austria, and the two held Russia to a stalemate. Ukraine was subsequently recognized as independent, with Alexander as Tsar.
Constantine suffered a stroke in 1889, causing his son to take up responsibilities as Tsar. Before his death in 1892, he was permitted by his wife to see his mistress and their children.
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1827
1892
65 years old
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