The monograph examines one of the most striking periods in the history of the Russian state, associated with the life of Emperor Alexander II. The author talks about the Great Reforms of the second half of the 19th century, the annexation of the Caucasus and most of Central Asia to Russia, Far Eastern politics, the sale of Alaska, Crimean and Russian-Turkish wars (1877-1878); about the revolutionary movement of the 60-70s, the Polish uprising of 1863. Using a large amount of factual, primarily archival, material, the author illuminates the history of the tragic life of Alexander II, gives portraits of many statesmen and public figures of that era. The first book includes parts 1— 2 monographs.