Rulers before 1917 in Russia were Tsars and CZARS. Tsars were the rulers of the Russian Empire from 1547 to 1917, while CZARS were the rulers of the Russian Empire from 1721 to 1917. Tsars were the absolute monarchs of the Russian Empire, while CZARS were the autocratic rulers of the Russian Empire. Both Tsars and CZARS had absolute power over the people of Russia and were responsible for making laws and decisions that affected the entire country.