n.
or Michael Romanov Russian Mikhail Fyodorovich Romanov
born July 22, 1596
died July 23, 1645, Moscow
Tsar of Russia (161345) and founder of the Romanov dynasty .
A young nobleman elected as tsar after the chaotic Time of Troubles , he allowed his mother's relatives to direct the government early in his reign. They restored order to Russia and made peace with Sweden (1617) and Poland (1618). In 1619 his father, released from captivity in Poland, returned to Russia and became coruler. Michael's father dominated the government, increasing contact with western Europe and strengthening central authority and serfdom. After his death in 1633, Michael's maternal relatives once again held sway.