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====Alexander Nevsky and the recovery of Russia====
Alexander was aware of the vulnerable state of the Russian lands after the Mongol invasions. The lands had been devastated and there had been a catastrophic collapse in the population. Many areas were left wastelands and cities and towns abandoned. Alexander knew that the Russian people could not defy the Mongols and that they needed time to recover. There are many who argue that Nevsky was willing to collaborate with the Mongols for his own interests. Because of their support he was the de-facto ruler of the north and much of the east. However, he was genuinely concerned with the common people and the interests of Russia. This is evident in his rebuilding measures in the aftermath of the devastating Mongol invasions. He ordered the rebuilding of towns, churches, and fortifications .<ref> Christian, p. 113 </ref>. Alexander began the long -process of helping restoring Russia to recover. His policy was in hindsight a pragmatic one even though it made him very unpopular. He was able to persuade the elite to accept his approach and they put aside their personal feuds. This brought a measure of peace to many Russian areas. Nevsky was an important figure in the reconstruction of Russia after the Mongols. His great achievement was to preserve the territorial unity of the traditional Russian lands, after the hammer blows of the Mongolian invasions.
====Alexander and the re-birth of Russia====
Many other Russian princes adopted the strategy of Alexander and they choose to collaborate rather than confront the Golden Horde. For example, there was not to be a revolt in the north east of Russia for over a century after the death of Alexander. After a brutal struggle between his sons, his youngest son Daniel became the Duke of Moscow, then a small principality. He followed his father’s policies and he cultivated the arts of peace and worked with the Golden Horde. Under his benign rule Daniel was able to transform Moscow. He reigned in peace for thirty years and Moscow became a haven for many fleeing Mongol raids and attacks. His successors established the State of Muscovy and over many decades became the most powerful state in the Russian lands. This was all possible because by and large the Dukes of Muscovy followed Alexander Nevsky policy of collaboration. Eventually, the Dukes of Muscovy became so powerful that it was able to defy successfully the Mongols and it was to become the nucleus of the future Russian state and indeed Empire. The rulers of the House of Moscow were to become the Tsars of Russia and to rule it until 1598 <ref>Ishago, p. 134</ref>. This would not have been possible without the far-sighted policies of Alexander Nevsky.
