Michael of Russia vs Shunzhi Emperor

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.

Shunzhi, at age six, was installed as emperor in Beijing after Qing forces captured the city from Li Zicheng. This marked the beginning of Qing rule over China proper, with Prince Dorgon serving as regent.

Qing forces under Dorgon and later Shunzhi's own command conquered the Southern Ming regimes. Key campaigns included the capture of Nanjing and the suppression of loyalist resistance in Fujian and Guangdong.

Shunzhi assumed direct control of the government at age 13, ending the regency of Dorgon. He began to assert his authority, promoting Han Chinese officials and reducing the power of Manchu nobles.

Shunzhi actively promoted Confucian governance, sponsoring the compilation of the Kangxi Dictionary and supporting the civil service examination system. He also patronized Chinese scholars and reduced Manchu privileges.

Shunzhi died of smallpox at age 22. His death led to the succession of his son Xuanye, who became the Kangxi Emperor. Shunzhi's reign laid the foundation for the Qing consolidation of China.