In the early 1800s, Alexander I began to carry out further plans to westernize the government by attempting to create a Duma, or representative body. However, Russia became involved in the Napoleonic Wars and played a key role in the alliance that overthrew French emperor Napolean I. This firmly established Russia as a major power in Europe.

The influence of Western Europe resulted in highly liberal political attitudes among some Russian students, nobles, and members of the upper middle class. Dissatisfied with the tyranny of Russian government, they began to create secret political groups. A group of officers led a revolt in 1825 and tried to form a new government. Emperor Nicholas I put down the revolt very quickly and took measures to drive the people into submission and to protect Russia from corrupting western ideas. In opposition to Russia's involvement in the Crimean War (1853-1856). The Russian people were tired of war

and this encouraged a revolutionary movement among workers, peasants, and minorities. The serfs rose up against the landowners and pillaged their estates.

In July, Yeltsin defeated Communist opponent Gennady Zyuganov in a run-off election, making Yeltsin the first democratically elected head of state in Russia's 1,000-year history. In August, Chechen and Russian leaders signed a broad agreement, bringing the war in Chechnya to an end. The agreement called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces and for any decision on Chechnya's political status to be postponed until December 2001.

Alexander II became czar in 1855 and became one of the greatest reformers in Russian history. He freed the serfs in 1861 giving freedom to almost 40 million people. However, it was not enough after many years of oppression and in 1881 he was assassinated. He was replaced by his son, Alexander III, who suppressed all revolutionary organizations.

On New Year's Eve in December of 1999, Yeltsin announced his resignation and was succeeded by Vladimir Putin as president. Vladimir Putin is an ex-KGB officer and is aligned with many ex-KGB officers and Communist conservatives.

Nicholas II began his reign

Some common words found in the essay are:
Independent CIS, Peter Catherine, Balkans Severe, Western Europe, Chechen Russian, Russian Federation, Boris Yeltsin, Nicholas II, Alexander II, Crimean War, nicholas ii, republics ussr, vladimir putin,
Approximate Word count = 810
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)