Decembrist revolt

Decembrist revolt, unsuccessful uprising against the tsarist government in Russia organized by army officers in December 1825. The sudden death of Alexander I led to uncertainty and turmoil, and the Decembrists — many of whom had absorbed liberal ideals while serving in West Europe during the Napoleonic Wars — took the opportunity to rise up against Alexander's successor, Tsar Nicholas I. The rebellion was crushed, and 5 of the leaders were hanged. Many others were exiled to Siberia.