In February 1613, following the expulsion of Polish invaders, a Zemsky Sobor convened in Moscow to choose a new ruler. Around ten candidates were proposed for the Russian throne, including Mikhail Romanov, Fyodor Mstislavsky, Ivan Golitsyn, and Dmitry Pozharsky.

Historians believe that Mikhail Romanov’s election was largely influenced by his familial ties—he was the cousin of the last Rurikid Tsar, Fyodor Ivanovich.

His ascension marked the end of the Time of Troubles and the beginning of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled Russia for over 300 years.

During Mikhail Romanov’s reign (1613–1645), a peace treaty was signed with Sweden, restoring Novgorod lands to Russia. Territories in Transbaikalia and Yakutia were annexed, and the formation of a regular army began.

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