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

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

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

Catherine II: Years 1762-1796 Born in Prussia, married to Peter III to solidify Prussian-Russian relations Catherine hated Peter III and resolved to rule Russia herself July 8-9 1762  bloodless coup d’ eta July 17, 1762  Peter III is murdered and Catherine becomes ruler of Russia

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