The Coronation of Boris Godunov, 1598
Godunov had proved to be competent when running the country for Fyodor I, although he turned the somewhat-free peasants into serfs bound to the land and its owners. On the death of the childless Fyodor, he became tsar, confirmed by an assembly of nobles, churchmen, and commoners. His reign began well, with Boris mostly pursuing a peaceful foreign policy, encouraging trade, and introducing reforms to Russia based on European practices. However, a series of cold summers resulted in crop failures in 1601-1603, starting the Time of Troubles.