14 Interesting Facts About Russian Empire

The Russian Empire was a state that existed from 1721 until overthrown by the February Revolution in 1917, though it was a short lived phenomenon. Stretching over three continents, the Russian Empire was surpassed in landmass only by the British and Mongol empires. The rise of the Russian Empire happened in association with the decline of neighboring rival powers: the Swedish Empire, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, Persia and the Ottoman Empire. It played a major role in 1812–14 in defeating Napoleon’s ambitions to control Europe, and expanded to the west and south.
Here are some interesting facts about one of the greatest empires of all time.

Source: wikipedia

1. WWI

World War for Russia began in August, 1914. The Germans declared the war on the Russian Empire, exactly four days after the official beginning of WWI.
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

2. Romanov

Russia’s second Romanov tsar, Alexis, had a reputation of being kind and gentle hearted. Tables turned when he got a peasant whipped, tortured and cut into half (while alive) for leading a failed revolt in early seventeenth century.
Source: wikipedia, Image: historylearning.com

3. Alexis’ Wife

Alexis’ wife Natalya was a damn bold woman. At the time when most women stayed hidden behind closed doors, she dared open the window of her carriage (just slightly, but hey, isn’t that wonderful? and brave?)
Source: wikipedia, Image: bbc.co.uk

4. Taking Sides

When Russia had to face WWI, it was with its allies, France, UK, US, Japan, Italy and a dozen other states! It was Russia vs. the Central Powers: Germany, Austria, Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria.
Source: wikipedia, Image: historylearning.com

5. Sister’s a Mister

While young brothers Ivan V and Peter I co-Tsared at the behest of a people’s revolt in 1682, older sister Sophia was literally behind them whispering instructions. Literally, yes! She sat in a chair behind their thrones and whispered orders.
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

6. DIY

Peter the Great was a fox! He’d execute the enemy’s head himself while the other tsars just hired executioners.
Source: wikipedia, Image: flickr

7.  Affinity for eh…”Education”

Peter the Great also had an obvious affinity for education since he took the opportunity of his mistress Mary Hamilton’s beheading, to show the crowd where her vertebrae, windpipe, and carotid arteries were.
Source: wikipedia

8. More Affinity

Peter also had a great affinity towards dwarfs! He just loved them and even kept some around him, mostly for his amusement. Don’t understand the nature of his “affinity” though.
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikipedia

9. Take Some More Affinity (Now From the Empress)

Empress Anna loved the firearms. Wild animals were brought back to her just so that she could shoot them. Very princess-y.
Source: wikipedia, Image: natgeo.co.uk

10. Cross-Dressing

Princess Elizabeth loved to cross dress others. She would love to dress the women as men and men as women. That was her idea of “fun”.
Source: wikipedia, Image: flickr

11. Shave it Off!

Elizabeth, as a consequence of a hair dye gone wrong, had to shave off her lovely locks. This was so bothersome to her that she made all the women in the court to do the same.
Source: wikipedia

12. Young Lovers

Catherine had a weird obsession too. She dated men less than half her age in her sixties. Cougar!
Source: wikipedia, Image: wordpress.com

13. Mother of All

Nicholas II was crowned emperor but seems like he was not ready to ascend the throne; for when asked about crucial government matters, his response was, “Ask my mother.” Mamma’s boy!
Source: wikipedia, Image: flickr

14. Ivan the Terrible

Ivan the Terrible is a synonym for gore. Known for ordering that his enemies be skinned, boiled, burned, and broken, he was the favorite Tsar of Joseph Stalin.
Source: wikipedia, Image: wikimedia