They offered to the Tsar their allegiance in return for his protection, and in 1681 all of the Cossacks, of the Dnieper as well as the Don, were gathered under Russian sovereignty.

It was this event which, in the long struggle with Poland, turned the scales at last in favor of Russia.
One of the most important occurrences in this reign was the attempt of the Patriarch Nikon to establish an authority in the East similar to that of the Pope in the West--and in many ways to Latinize the Church.
This attempt to place the Tsar under spiritual authority was put down by a popular revolt--followed by stricter orthodox methods in a sect known as the _Raskolniks_.
Mikhail died in 1645, and was succeeded by his son Alexis.

The new Tsar sent an envoy to Charles the First of England to announce his succession.

He arrived with his letter to the King at an inopportune time.

He was on trial for his life.