Michael of Russia vs Muhammad Ahmad al-Mahdi

Michael Romanov, a 16-year-old boyar, was elected Tsar by the Zemsky Sobor, ending the Time of Troubles. His election established the Romanov dynasty, which would rule Russia until 1917.

Michael's government signed the Treaty of Stolbovo with Sweden, ending the Ingrian War. Russia ceded Ingria and access to the Baltic Sea but regained Novgorod and other territories. Sweden became a dominant Baltic power.

Michael's government signed the Truce of Deulino with Poland-Lithuania, ending the Polish-Muscovite War. Poland retained Smolensk and other territories, but recognized Michael as Tsar, ending Polish claims to the Russian throne.

Michael launched the Smolensk War to recapture Smolensk from Poland. The Russian army besieged the city but was forced to surrender after Polish relief forces arrived. The Treaty of Polyanovka confirmed Polish control of Smolensk.

Muhammad Ahmad publicly proclaimed himself the Mahdi, the Islamic redeemer, on June 29, 1881. He called for a jihad against Ottoman-Egyptian rule and British influence, gaining widespread support among Sudanese tribes.

Mahdist forces under Muhammad Ahmad defeated a 10,000-strong Egyptian army commanded by British officer William Hicks at El Obeid. The victory eliminated Egyptian military presence in Kordofan and established Mahdist control over central Sudan.

Mahdist forces besieged Khartoum from March 1884 to January 1885. The city fell on January 26, 1885, resulting in the death of British General Charles Gordon. This victory gave the Mahdi control over Sudan's capital and most of the country.

Following the fall of Khartoum, Muhammad Ahmad established a theocratic state with its capital at Omdurman. He implemented Islamic law, abolished taxes, and organized a centralized administration based on religious principles.