Pocket History Plus

Nothing lasts forever, and after nearly 400 years of ruling Russia, the Romanv family would eventually come to its own gruesome end. By losing its monarchy, Russia would be given the chance to start over from scratch . . . for better or for worse. To submit any questions for our upcoming season finale, feel free to email me at Pockethistoryplus@gmail.com, or reach out to me through our Twitter page, @plus_history.

In the summer of 1872, a beautiful German princess was brought into the world. With golden curls and dazzling smile, Princess Alix was appropriately nicknamed "Sunny" by her family. That summer, no one could have predicted that sweet baby Sunny would one day grow up to be the most hated woman in all of Russia. This is her story. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Season one is almost over! If you have questions you'd like to hear answered during our finale or suggestions for future seasons, you can DM us at our Twitter page @plus_history. You can also email us at Pockethistoryplus@gmail.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

Alexander I saved his nation through an alliance with Napoleon Bonaparte, only to later become the man who ensured the military leader's grisly demise. Alexander II was a well-educated statesman desperate to prove himself to his country, but this desperation to please would eventually cost him his life. Alexander III ruled for only a short period of time, but watched as Russia underwent its most dramatic changes yet. These three men, connected only by their names and their bloodline, would all help shape Russia into the nation it is today. Their decisions would bring wealth and prosperity to their people . . . but would also cost them their lives, and the lives of royal descendants to come.

After being dismissed from the line of succession twice, Elizabeth Petrovna was tired of watching Russia fall into the hands of twisted and incompetent rulers. Whether or not she had been born out of wedlock, Elizabeth was still the daughter of Peter the Great, and she knew she could restore Russia to its glory days. Unfortunately, Elizabeth's nephew and heir, Peter III, despised his aunt and country, and dreamed of a future where Russia would belong to his homeland, Germany. A new empress would be needed to prevent Peter from destroying Russia . . . and she would go down in history as one of Russia's greatest leaders.

As Peter the Great realized his reign was quickly approaching its end, his court was filled with panic. The tsar had no sons or brothers, no uncles, and he was despised by his only nephew. As much as Peter hated the thought, there were only two futures left for Russia . . . either a woman would ascend the throne, or the monarchy would disappear forever.

Great men often go down in history, but the lives of many great women remain shrouded in secrets. Confined to their chambers all day, hidden from the eyes of the public, Russian tsarinas led isolated, lonely lives. From inside the walls of Russian monasteries, the secluded lives of nuns were either dream-like, or utter nightmares. In the end, the only Russian women who didn't remain hidden from the world were peasants . . . and their heartbreaking stories are only filled with devastation and pain. This is Pocket History Plus, and today we're looking at the lives of Russian women. From the peasantry to the royal family, from the sixteenth to twentieth centuries . . . the lives of women don't have to be secrets anymore.

Following the death of Tsar Alexei I, his eldest son, Fyodor III, ascended the Russian throne. However, Fyodor's paralysis and weak immune system often confined him to his bed, where his sister, Sophia, would diligently care for him. After Fyodor's all-too-early death, Sophia would defy the Russian nobility in attempts to place her younger brother, Ivan, on his rightful throne. One rumor would spiral into a series of violent uprisings and riots, and, as the dust settled, Sophia would rise to incredible power . . . but at a heavy price. Would she be able to protect her younger brother, and his throne? Or would she die trying?

The year is 1605. Ivan the Terrible, the first tsar of Russia, is dead. Even worse, all of his sons are also either dead or presumed missing. With no one left to take the throne, it seems the fate of the Russian monarchy is sealed. Until, in the people's greatest time of need, Ivan's long-lost son Dmitry Ivanovich marches triumphantly back into the city of Moscow. He is happily embraced by his weeping mother, takes the love of his life as his bride, and is crowned the rightful tsar of Russia. The nation is saved. There's only one problem. The real Dmitry Ivanovich . . . had died sixteen years prior.

Ivan the Terrible did a lot to earn his name. This Russian tsar tortured small animals, organized mass murders, persecuted innocent people, and may have even been married more times than Henry VIII himself (which is no small feat). Yet somehow, this "terrible" man was adored by his people, and built his nation into an empire of unparalleled strength. Until, that is, his own pride ensured its downfall.

Welcome to Pocket History Plus, a podcast dedicated to exploring the histories of individual nations across the globe. In this brief trailer, we'll be discussing season one of this podcast, The Rich History of Russia. To learn more about Russian history or stay updated on our newest content, you can follow us on Twitter at @plus_history. We look forward to beginning this journey with you!