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Questions and Answers
What title was first officially used by Ivan IV of Russia?
What title was first officially used by Ivan IV of Russia?
What major change did Peter the Great implement in Russia?
What major change did Peter the Great implement in Russia?
What was a significant conflict in Ivan IV's early life?
What was a significant conflict in Ivan IV's early life?
Which event marked the beginning of Ivan IV's 'bad period'?
Which event marked the beginning of Ivan IV's 'bad period'?
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What role did Ivan's police force play during his reign?
What role did Ivan's police force play during his reign?
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How did Ivan IV's actions toward the boyars change over time?
How did Ivan IV's actions toward the boyars change over time?
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What was one of the achievements of Ivan IV during his 'good period'?
What was one of the achievements of Ivan IV during his 'good period'?
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What power shift occurred as a result of Ivan IV's terror campaign?
What power shift occurred as a result of Ivan IV's terror campaign?
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What major event followed the death of Ivan's incapable son?
What major event followed the death of Ivan's incapable son?
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Who was chosen as the next czar after the Time of Troubles?
Who was chosen as the next czar after the Time of Troubles?
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What was one of Peter the Great's significant reforms?
What was one of Peter the Great's significant reforms?
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What was Peter the Great's primary objective in his rule?
What was Peter the Great's primary objective in his rule?
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How did Russian landowners treat serfs?
How did Russian landowners treat serfs?
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What characteristic was NOT associated with Peter the Great?
What characteristic was NOT associated with Peter the Great?
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What does the law regarding serfs indicate about Russian society?
What does the law regarding serfs indicate about Russian society?
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What long-lasting impact did the Romanov rule have on Russia?
What long-lasting impact did the Romanov rule have on Russia?
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Study Notes
Ivan the Terrible
- Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, became the first Russian czar in 1533 after a power struggle with the boyars, the landowning nobles of Russia.
- His rule between 1547 and 1560 is considered his "good period" due to military victories, land expansion, the creation of a legal code, and just leadership.
- After the death of his wife, Anastasia, Ivan’s rule turned brutal as he suspected the boyars of poisoning her.
- To combat his perceived enemies, Ivan formed a secret police force known for its brutality, targeting the boyars, their families, and peasants who worked their lands.
- The “bad period” is marked by the execution of thousands of people and the seizure of boyar estates, which were redistributed to nobles loyal to the czar.
- During a violent quarrel, Ivan killed his oldest son and heir, which is considered a personal tragedy and a national disaster.
- The death of Ivan IV marked the end of his dynasty and ushered in the time of troubles.
The Time of Troubles
- After Ivan IV’s death, a period of chaos ensued known as the Time of Troubles.
- The weak second son of Ivan IV proved incapable of ruling and died without an heir.
- The Time of Troubles was a period marked by the struggle for power among boyars, the death of czarist heirs under suspicious circumstances, and the rise of imposters seeking the throne.
The Romanov Dynasty
- The years after the Time of Troubles were marked by power struggles between boyars who coveted the throne.
- In 1613, Michael Romanov, the grandnephew of Ivan IV's wife Anastasia was chosen as the new czar.
- The Romanov dynasty reigned for 300 years (1613 - 1917).
Peter the Great and Westernization
- After restoring order to Russia, the Romanovs passed a law code and suppressed a revolt, strengthening the government.
- Czar Peter I, known as Peter the Great, continued this trend and became one of Russia's most important reformers.
- Peter I's reign saw an increase in autocratic power.
- Peter the Great, in stark contrast to the landowning nobles, believed Russia needed to modernize and westernize to catch up with the rest of Europe.
- This included adopting Western technology, art, science, and military tactics in an attempt to modernize Russia.
Russia and Western Europe
- When Peter came to power, Russia was still a land of boyars and serfs.
- Serfdom, a system of forced labor that bound peasants to the land, persisted longer in Russia compared to the west.
- Russian landowners treated serfs as property, owning them along with the land and could sell them, give them away as gifts, or use them as collateral for debts.
- Serfs were prohibited from fleeing their lords, and the boyars remained largely isolated from Western European culture.
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Description
Explore the complex reign of Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, who became the first czar of Russia in 1533. Discover the contrasting phases of his rule, from military successes and legal reforms to the brutal repression following the death of his wife. Learn about his legacy and the significant events leading to the end of his dynasty.
