The Rise of Russia

Notes Russia’s Expansion and Development 1500-1800’s

Russia’s Expansionist Politics Initially, Russia’s emergence as a new power in Eastern Europe and Central Asia depended on it gaining freedom from Mongol or Tatar control Cultural and economic disadvantage under Mongol control Under Ivan III, a large part of Russia was freed after 1462 Ivan organized strong army Government had a military emphasis

Ivan III Ivan the Great married the niece of the last Byzantine emperor. Why? Loved the idea of Russia as the “third Rome” which is why he called himself “tsar” or caesar, the “autocrat (absolute ruler) of all the Russias.”

Russian society: Late 1500s Most Russians remained Christians despite Mongol influence Mongol period reduces the vigor of Russian cultural life (example: lowers level of literacy among priesthood). Economically, trade was down. Russia had become purely agricultural economy based on peasant labor

Ivan IV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOTIGeUyVSs As you watch the video, write down as many reasons as you can on why he was called “Ivan Terrible”

Patterns of Expansion Territorial expansion focused on central Asia push Mongols aways Ivan III and IV recruited peasants to migrate to newly seized lands and become a sort of pioneer (Cossacks). They were involved in daring military feats on horseback in this process. Russia does create trading connections with new Asian territories and their neighbors The age old central Asia famous for nomadic groups that constantly invade is now eliminated by Russian expansion and the Ottoman Empire (Essentially old Byzantine Empire).

Time of Troubles Ivan IV dies without an heir. (1584) New power claims by the boyars(landowning nobles) Sweden and Poland attack Russian territories 1613, assembly of boyars choose a member of the Romanov family as tsar Romanov family rules Russia until 1917 (Russian Revolution)

Russia’s first Westernization 1690-1790 End of 17th century Russia is one of the great land empires Unique becomes it remains agricultural Reign of Peter I (some say Peter the Great)- built up tsarist control and expands Russian Territory He is also very interested in “Westernizing” Russia Creates new city of St. Petersburg with western architecture and scientific advancements

Peter I “Westernization” was it really a good thing? Creates Navy Gets rid of the council of nobles/replaces with advisors he controls Tax system- more burden on peasantry Landlords awarded for using serfs in mining and industries Nobles shaved beards To him westernization meant more autocratic rule for him Resentment starts forming in a BIG WAY!

Legacy and Death of Peter the Great Peter does not completely transform Russia to mirror that of the west No interest in trade Makes more autocratic which is being questioned in the West Death 1724- Peter the Great dies Followed by a time of weak tsars Only living relative, Elizabeth, takes power 1761, Peter III, nephew of Peter I daughter, reaches the throne but his wife is the powerful one….

Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great (1729–1796) 1762-1796 Empress of Russia German princess who saw marriage as a way to escape from her controlling mother Could speak German, French, and Russian Empress Elizabeth arranged the marriage to Peter Unhappy marriage 1761- Coup to dethrone Peter Dies of a stroke in 1796 Russia controls largest land mass in world-as of 1800 being compared to United States of America

Catherine’s Reforms and Retractions Advocate of the arts Returned the church’s land and property Wrote the "Nakaz," on how the country's legal system should run Pushed for capital punishment and torture to be outlawed Calling for every man to be declared equal. Wanted the feudal system changed Serfs: workers who were owned by landowners for life. Defeated by the Senate Legislative Commission: Brought delegates together from different social and economic classes Later in her rule, with the Charter of the Nobility in 1785, Catherine made an about-face on policy and greatly augmented upper-class power, with a large amount of citizens forced into the oppressive conditions of serfdom. 

Exit Slip Evaluative statement. Each of the rulers today were called “the Great” or “the Terrible.” Write one sentence, using four facts from today, that proves their name.