Tsar Nicholas I ruled the Russian Empire from 1825 until his death in 1855. He became Tsar after the Decembrist Revolt, which he suppressed to maintain autocratic control. Nicholas I is known for his conservative policies and efforts to strengthen the military, as well as for expanding Russian territory. During his reign, Nicholas I faced various challenges, including the Crimean War, which exposed weaknesses in the Russian military and economy. His reign is often characterized by a strict censorship regime and a focus on maintaining order, which ultimately led to widespread discontent among the Russian populace.