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Jan 1, 1547
Ivan IV became Russia's first crowned czar.
He was given the name "Ivan the Terrible" for his crushing of all opposition to his rule and expanding his realms borders into non-Slav territories. -
Czar Peter I
Known as Peter the Great, he was determined to modernize Russia by enlarging its terriories, buiding a strong military, and developing trade with western Europe. -
Romanov Dynasty
When the Romanov dynasty came to power, the government tightened its grip on the people. -
Peasants to Serfs
Peasants became "serfs." which were virtually enslaved workforces bound to the land and under the control of nobility. -
Czar Nicholar II leaves
Revolution forces Czar Nicholas II to abdicate his throne. Lenin becomes leader of Russia afterwards. -
USSR
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is established. -
Vladimir Lenin Death
Vladimir Lenin dies. Joseph Stalin emerges as the new Leader -
Nazi-Soviet Nonaggressino Pact
Pact gave the Soviet Union control over Estonia, Latvia, Lituania, and eastern Poland. Germany and the Soviet Union promise not to attack each other. -
Germany attack
Germany attacked the Soviet Union, drawing it into World War II. -
Germany Defeated
Germany was defeated in World War II. Postwar agreements gave the USSR influence over eastern and southeastern Europe. -
Joseph Stalin Death
After his death, Nikita Khrushchev becomes the Communist Party Leader. -
Mikhail Gorbachev
Gorbachev comes to power and proposes perestroika, a restructuring of the economy. -
USSR is dissolved
