(Romanov) Pavel I Alekseevich
Pavel I Petrovich — Emperor of All Russia (1796-1801), son of Catherine II and Peter III, known for his succession reforms, military discipline and tragic death as a result of a conspiracy; representative of the Romanov dynasty.
Years of government: 1796-1801.
Early years and the path to the throne
He was born on September 20 (October 1), 1754 in St. Petersburg.‑St. Petersburg.
The Empress Elizabeth Petrovna was responsible for Pavel's upbringing in childhood.
Hieromonk Platon (later Metropolitan of Moscow) taught him the law of God.
For a long time he was removed from public affairs by his mother, Catherine II.
Before his accession to the throne, he lived mainly in Gatchina, where he created his own "small courtyard" and conducted military exercises.
Domestic policy
Key measures and reforms:
The Law on Succession to the Throne (1797):
established a strict transfer of power through the male line — from father to eldest son;
it was in force in Russia until 1917.
Military reform:
introduction of new military regulations (partly based on Prussian designs);
construction of barracks for soldiers;
the introduction of the greatcoat into the army uniform;
strengthening the discipline and regulation of the service.
Policy towards the nobility:
limitation of privileges received under Catherine II;
the desire to transform the nobility into a disciplined, serving class.
Policy towards peasants:
decree on three-day corvee (advisory nature);
prohibition of work on Sundays and holidays;
the distribution of about 600,000 serfs into private hands (with faith in the "best" guardianship of the landlords).
Ideological control:
strict censorship;
ban on the import of books from abroad;
restrictions on fashion (tailcoats, hats), dancing, and the use of the word "citizen" as references to revolutionary ideas.
Administrative changes:
reduction of the number of provinces;
liquidation of city councils and deanery administrations;
restoration of some colleges abolished under Catherine II.
Religious policy:
support for the Orthodox clergy: salary increases, establishment of award crosses;
development of religious educational institutions;
promotion of the Same faith and reconciliation with the Old Believers.
Foreign policy
1798: Joining the Second Anti-French Coalition against Napoleon.
Appointment of A. V. Suvorov as Commander-in-chief; Italian and Swiss campaigns (1799).
Acceptance of the title of Grand Master of the Order of Malta (1798) and patronage of Malta.
Conflict with Britain over the seizure of Malta; breakup of the union.
1800: rapprochement with France, plans for a joint campaign against England.
1801: dispatch of the Don army on a campaign to India (not completed).
Personal life
His first marriage (1773) to Wilhelmina of Hesse‑Darmstadt (in Orthodoxy, Natalia Alekseevna), died in childbirth.
Second marriage (1776) with Sofia‑Dorothea of Württemberg (Maria Feodorovna in Orthodoxy), had 10 children, including future emperors Alexander I and Nicholas I.
End of reign and death
The unpredictability and rigidity of Pavel's policy caused discontent among the nobility and the guard.
On the night of March 11 (23), 1801, the emperor was assassinated in Mikhailovsky Castle as a result of a conspiracy.
It was officially announced that he had died of "apoplexy."
He was buried in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg.‑St. Petersburg.
Historical significance
The reign of Paul I was characterized by a sharp change of course compared to the policy of Catherine II, attempts to strengthen autocracy and discipline, and the first steps towards limiting serfdom. His reforms and decisions largely predetermined the development of Russia in the early 19th century.