Alexander I ruled as Emperor of Russia for over two decades. He succeeded his father, Paul I, following the latter’s assassination. Alexander also became Grand Duke of Finland and first King of Congress Poland. Early years of his reign was marked with several significant liberal educational reforms which included founding new universities. He abolished the Collegia and replaced it with the State Council as part of his government reform. Many current ministries of the Russian Federation like the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are indirect successors of the Ministries that were created following a Manifesto issued by Alexander. He changed his stance towards Napoleonic France four times during the Napoleonic Wars. He took side of Britain during War of the Third Coalition against France, however after being defeated at the battles of Austerlitz and Friedland, he switched allegiance and made peace with Napoleon signing the Treaty of Tilsit. He also joined Continental System of Napoleon and fought wars against Britain and Sweden. Relation between Russia and France however strained with time eventually leading to French invasion of Russia which resulted in decisive Russian victory and perhaps most significantly shattered Napoleon's repute as the invincible. Alexander gained territory in Poland and Finland and created the Holy Alliance to restrain liberalism and secularism in Europe.