# Alexander II ascends the throne (1855)

URL: https://history-russia.com/timeline/1855-alexander-ii-ascends-the-throne
Categories: ruler-change

Nicholas I died on 2 March 1855 during the Crimean War. His son Alexander II concluded peace and embarked on the 'Great Reforms'. Censorship was relaxed and political prisoners amnestied. Alexander II's reign transformed Russian society.

## Why it matters
Alexander II's reign transformed Russian society.

Ruler at the time: [Alexander II](https://history-russia.com/rulers/alexander-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Alexander II of Russia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_II_of_Russia)
- [Wikipedia — Russian Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Alexander II ascends the throne](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Alexander+II+ascends+the+throne)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of Russian history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Russian_history)