The third-largest empire in history, at its greatest extent stretching over three continents, Europe, Asia, and North America, the Russian Empire was surpassed in size only by the British and Mongol empires. The rise of the Russian Empire coincided with the decline of neighboring rival powers: the Swedish Empire, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, Persia and the Ottoman Empire. It played a major role in 1812–1814 in defeating Napoleon's ambitions to control Europe and expanded to the west and south.

The House of Romanov ruled the Russian Empire from 1721 until 1762. Its matrilineal branch of patrilineal German descent, the House of Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov, ruled from 1762 to the end of the empire. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Russian Empire extended from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Black Sea in the south, from the Baltic Sea on the west to the Pacific Ocean, and into Alaska and Northern California in America on the east.[5] With 125.6 million subjects registered by the 1897 census, it had the third-largest population in the world at the time, after Qing China and India. Like all empires, it featured great diversity in terms of economies, ethnicities, languages, and religion. There were many dissident elements that launched numerous rebellions and assassinations over the centuries. In the 19th century, they were closely watched by the imperial secret police, and thousands were exiled to Siberia.

Factors leading to the unpopularity of monarchy in Russia:

- Autocratic rule: The Russian monarchy was characterized by autocratic rule, where the Tsar held absolute power over the country. This lack of political freedom and participation in governance alienated the people and led to discontent.

- Social inequality: The Russian Empire had a rigid social hierarchy that favored the nobility and oppressed the peasantry. This inequality bred resentment among the lower classes and fueled revolutionary sentiments.

- Inefficiency and corruption: The monarchy was often seen as inefficient and corrupt, with officials enriching themselves at the expense of the people. This eroded trust in the government and further fueled discontent.

- Military defeats: Russia's involvement in World War I led to devastating military defeats and loss of life. The Tsar's handling of the war further eroded his popularity and credibility as a leader.

- Economic hardship: The Russian economy was in a state of crisis, with widespread poverty and food shortages. The monarchy's inability to address these issues exacerbated the discontent among the population.

- Political repression: The Tsarist regime resorted to harsh measures to suppress dissent, including censorship and political persecution. This only served to further alienate the people and fuel revolutionary movements.

- Rise of revolutionary ideologies: The rise of socialist and communist ideologies provided an alternative vision for the future of Russia, one that promised equality and justice for all. These ideologies gained traction among the disenfranchised population, further undermining the legitimacy of the monarchy.

Overall, a combination of political, social, economic, and military factors contributed to the unpopularity of the monarchy in Russia and ultimately led to its downfall during the Russian Revolution of 1917.