This lecture focuses on a number of questions related to the Russian history of the first quarter of the 19th century. Major events of the first decade of the reign of Alexander I are analysed. The reforms implemented by Mikhail Speransky are given an account of. An overview of domestic policy changes that took place in Russia after the War of 1812 and Overseas Marches of the Russian Army is given. Emphasis is laid on the peasant issue which remained one of the most topical in the country, and also on the factors which had influenced on the formation of the ideology for the Decembrist movement.