1. Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and Catherine the Great
Absolutism in Russia
Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and Catherine the Great

2. Ivan the Terrible: Years1533-1584
Achievements
Downfalls
Introduced extreme absolute power
Expanded Russian lands
Made Russia more religious
Opened some trade with the West
Set up the first Russia secret police  Oprichniki (murdered and killed thousands for him)
Killed many nobles and destroyed many towns
Killed his own son

4. Peter the Great: Years 1682-1725
Achievements
Downfalls
Westernization
St. Petersburg
Modern army, new industries, warm water port (Baltic Sea)
Extended boarders, unified the nation
Reduced the power of the nobility
Gained control of the Church
Did not reach the Black Sea
Reforms died with him

6. Catherine II: Years
Born in Prussia, married to Peter III to solidify Prussian-Russian relations
Catherine hated Peter III and resolved to rule Russia herself
July  bloodless coup d’ eta
July 17, 1762  Peter III is murdered and Catherine becomes ruler of Russia

7. Catherine the Great Solidified nobility's place
Achievements
Downfalls
Solidified nobility's place
Improved government, created Grand Commission
Improved laws
Expanded Russian territory
Spread Enlightenment
Worsened peasants’ place in Russia
Waged many wars
Expanded military  military was becoming the problem and rational for rule