Paul I

Tsar of Russia
1754-1801

An absolutist ruler, Tsar Paul I was vehemently opposed to the French Revolution and was determined to do all in his power to stamp it out.

Two years after becoming Tsar in 1796, Paul I became a key member of the Second Coalition when he sent sent three armies against France.

Led by Field Marshal Alexander Suvarov, the Russians had good successes on the battlefields in Switzerland, North Italy and the Netherlands, but eventually saw their efforts come to nought as France recaptured all territories.

Mentally unstable, Paul I was regarded as a danger to his country by powerful people within his own court - including his son Alexander - and he was murdered on 12 March 1801.

An ignoble end for the son of Catherine the Great.