Nicholas I (Nikolaj I Pavlovič), (6 July [O.S.

25 June] 1796 – 2 March [O.S.

18 February] 1855) was the Emperor of Russia from 1825 until 1855, known as one of the most reactionary of the Russian monarchs.

On the eve of his death, the Russian Empire reaches its historical zenith, spanning over 20 million square kilometers (7.7 million square miles).

In his capacity as the emperor, he is also the King of Poland and the Grand Duke of Finland.

Nicholas I was born in Gatchina to Emperor Paul I and Empress Maria Feodorovna.

He is a younger brother to Alexander I of Russia and Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich of Russia.