Paul I of Russia was the Emperor of Russia from 1796 until his assassination in 1801. Born on September 20, 1754, he was the son of Catherine the Great and Peter III. His reign was marked by attempts to reform the military and government, but he faced opposition from the nobility and the military. Paul's leadership style was often seen as erratic, leading to widespread discontent. He implemented strict regulations and sought to reverse some of his mother's policies. His reign ended abruptly when he was murdered in a palace coup, paving the way for his son, Alexander I, to take the throne.