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1462
Much of Russia freed from Tartars by Ivan III (Ivan the Great)
In 1462 Ivan III freed most of Russia from Tartar control with the help of a great army. This is significant because it is the first step towards becoming an independent land empire, and the elimination of Mongols gave Russia some room to breathe. Because of the previous Mongol presence, Russia creates a sort of buffer zone, and this is something that still affects Russia to this day. -
Period: 1533 to
Life of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) first to emphasize the title of tsar; boyar power reduced
Ivan the Terrible was important because he did a lot to establish contacts with Western Europe and their culture and commerce. He also continued the policy of expansion in Russia, and the empire continued to grow. He put many reforms in places and conquered the tartar lands. However, he was not able to defeat Poland and Lithuania, and he eventually began a reign of terror and mass execution, mainly targeting the boyars. This allowed him to gain more power while limiting the power of the nobles. -
Period: 1552 to 1556
Russian expansion in central Asia, western Siberia
Russian expansion into Central Asia was significant because it eliminated them as an independent state. Their presence in Central Asia also pushed back the Mongols further, again emphasizing the buffer zone. Russia continued to become a multicultural empire as these new peoples became part of the Russian empire thanks to its expansion into places like western Siberia and Central Asia. -
Period: to
Time of Troubles
The Time of Troubles was pretty much a period of anarchy for Russia, and the events that took place shaped the mentality of Russia to this day. Fighting took place within Russia with many fighting to gain power after the tsar dies without an heir, and also from outside of Russia. Almost every other state/country came into Russia to attack them, and that greatly affected Russia. This period did end eventually, but it left Russia in a mentality to be on the defensive at all times. -
Period: to
Romanov Dynasty
The Romanov's came into power after the Time of Troubles and would rule Russia until the Russian revolution. They consolidated Russian power and gave the country some breathing room after 1613. They continued the tradition of conquest and expanded the ever-growing empire. Serfdom was also consolidated, and under their rule 80% of Russian peasants became serfs. Religious reforms were also put in place, and they were willing to form treating with outside groups such as China and Poland. -
Russian pioneers to Pacific
This was important because it shows how Russia has continued to expand, and even make a mark on the New World from the Pacific side. They established holdings all the way to what is now Alaska, Oregon, and Northern California. Their expansion across the Pacific also shows advancements in their naval technology. -
Law enacted making serfdom hereditary
Serfdom in Russia got increasingly harsher to the point where it was extremely similar to slavery. The law that made slavery hereditary is just another example of the power landlords had over the serfs, and the serfs no longer had a way out. Russia relied greatly on the serf labor for its economy, so having them remain in service ensured that their country wouldn't fall. -
Period: to
Reign of Peter the Great
Peter the Great is the greatest leader that Russia ever had. He was able to bring a lot of Western culture to Russia, and expand their territory. He toured Europe and visited many manufacturing centers. In Russia, he put many reforms in place such as organizing a military/navy and promoted trade and education. Probably the most important thing was that he gave Russia access to waterways such as the Black Sea and Baltic, which. After defeating Sweden, Russia becomes the strongest Baltic state. -
Period: to
Reign of Catherine the Great
Catherine was another great Russian ruler. She accepted western influence, but was selective about it, just like the leaders before her. She brought some ideas of French enlightenment as well as reformers for law codes. Under her rule, the harshness of punishments for serfs went up, and she put down rebellions. She used the Pugachev Rebellion as an excuse for more power. Russia continues to expand, fighting the Ottomans and going to the Pacific. -
Period: to
Pugachev revolt
The Pugachev revolt was led by Emilian Pugachev as many serfs were unhappy with how they were treated. Even though this rebellion wasn't successful, it is still the strongest of the rebellious that took place in this period. The big thing to take away from this revolt is that Catherine used it as an excuse to gain more power. She was able to put down this rebellion and executed Pugachev.