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1533
Ivan IV becomes king of Russia:
Ivan IV was a very severe ruler that ruled with an iron fist and had a strong personality. He was believed to have a cold heart as he even killed his own son alongside his closest advisors. He wanted so badly to be a monarch that he put much of the land of Russia under his control and, he placed the Oprichniki force that terrorized the people. -
Ivan IV’s death:
Everyone rejoiced as their worst king died. During his time he was able to gain some land from the Mongols and somewhat improve Russia’s economy. He was unable to improve trade and many were persecuted during his reign. He went down as the worst ruler in Russia’s history. -
Michael Romanov (After the “Times of Troubles”):
He took charge after the “Times of Trouble” where revolutions and many invasions from neighbouring countries happened. He was a 17-year-old that became the czar of Russia. He became the first Romanov monarch that ruled until 1917. -
Peter the First:
Characterized as one of the greatest leaders of Russia. He became leader at the age of 10 and no one expected much from him. He was able to turn Russia into an absolute monarchy, and he was open to new ideals, and was hard-working. He lead Russia into greatness having come from a poorly educated background. He named his reform “westernization”. -
Improving economy:
During this time, Peter I needed to improve Russia’s economy in order to support all the changes he was doing. Goods were transported by water during this time and this need motivated him to want a warm-water port. One of the obstacles Russia had was that Russia had extremely cold temperatures throughout the years and their waters would freeze. -
War with Sweden:
Before this war, Russia was not equipped to fight a war. However, Peter I was able to train Russia’s army and create the largest army in Europe. Sweden owned much of the land along the Baltic sea and Russia wanted a warm-water port. They were able to gain this alongside land, after winning the war. -
St. Petersburg:
After the war with Sweden, with the land he gained, Peter I built the city of St. Petersburg which would become the empire’s capital. Peasants were forced to drain the swampy areas and the city was referred to as “the Window on the West”. It also became the most important trading city in Russia. -
Peter I’s death:
He had a greatly successful reign where he achieved many great things for Russia. He gained territory, a warm-water port, created the greatest army, strengthened the economy, and gained respect and recognition for the country. -
Catherine II:
After Peter I’s death there was a struggle for power until Peter III gained control and married Catherine II who was a German princess. When Peter died, the throne was left to Catherine and she was able to rule with greatness for 34 years. She created education programs, however, peasants were not benefited from her reign and often revolted. -
Period: to
Defeat of the Ottoman Empire:
With Catherine II at its head, Russia was able to defeat the Ottoman Empire in search of another warm-water port and more land. She gained land along the Black sea, and there she established a new port which only made Russia’s economy stronger. -
The Partition of Poland:
Catherine II had an interest in gaining the land of Poland, as well as Frederick William II of Prussia and Maria Theresa of Austria. Therefore, the three of them, met and divided the land of Poland into three parts. This was a peaceful agreement. -
Catherine II’s death:
When she died, she had completed Peter the Great’s vision. She had been known for having many love affairs, but still, she restored the Russian military and its economy. She was also known for persecuting Russian peasants. -
Russian Revolution:
Russia is pulled out of WWI and Vladimir Lenin rises to power with communist ideals. He restored many of Russia’s ideals and changed the name of Russia, to the Soviet Union.
