Russia World History Gold

The first Czar Ivan the Terrible “Good Period” ( ) introduced code of laws, added territory, just rule “Bad Period” ( ) followed death of his wife Why was he labeled “Ivan the Terrible”? murdered “boyars” (nobles) through use of secret police, redistributed their land to others in return for loyalty instability (“Time of Troubles”) followed his death

Rise of the Romanovs Romanov dynasty brought stability to Russia for over 300 years Peter the Great ( ) instituted reforms inspired by western Europe What were examples of “westernization” in Russia in the late 1600s? modernized army, expanded education, founded St. Petersburg as new capital and important port required expansion of powers (absolute rule)

Russia’s Golden Age Catherine the Great ( ) Russia continued to modernize and expand territory wars against Ottoman Empire, Persia, Sweden Russian Enlightenment (philosophy, culture, education) Russia still practiced serfdom peasant revolts proved problematic during Catherine’s reign

The Russian Empire Nicholas I ( ) continued territorial expansion through war with Ottoman Empire and Persia led Russia’s defeat in the Crimean War ( ) against Britain, France, Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia rule marked by frequent wars, suppression of dissent, economic stagnation, and corruption

The Russian Revolution Oppressive rule of czars caused discontent, social inequity, political violence Russian Marxists advocated for radical change (worker’s revolution) Bolsheviks (led by Vladimir Lenin) seized power following the overthrow of Nicholas II in 1917 Civil war raged from “Red Army” (Bolsheviks) defeated western-backed “White Army” Lenin restored order through political and economic reforms USSR formed in 1922 How is the practice of Communism different according to Karl Marx & Vladimir Lenin?

Totalitarianism Joseph Stalin seized control of the Communist Party following Lenin’s death aimed to perfect a Communist state in the Soviet Union took control of all aspects of public and private life economy, religion, education Stalin oversaw industrial and agricultural revolutions Production increased, despite resistance Stalin used force to crush opposition, propaganda to promote economic programs

The Cold War The U.S. and Soviet Union maintained an uneasy alliance during World War II Post-war relationship was tense, marked by key differences Russia aimed to build a buffer zone of satellite nations United States aimed at containment of communism Era defined by creation of alliances, nuclear weapons, space race NATO vs. Warsaw Pact brinksmanship Berlin Wall, U-2 incident, Cuban Missile Crisis

Reform Mikhail Gorbachev took control of the Communist Party in 1985 instituted policies of glasnost (political openness) and perestroika (economic reform) foreign policy took a new direction INF Treaty with U.S. (1987) removal of opposition to reform in Eastern Europe Communism falls in Eastern Europe Germany reunified, democracy spreads, Soviet Union collapses

Aggression or Defense? History of conflict with nations from all sides. North Scandinavia West Poland, France (Napoleon), Germany (Hitler) South Ottoman Empire, Persian Empire East Japan History of territorial pursuit and empire building. History of authoritarian leaders.

Ukraine in the 20 th Century Ukraine declared independence in 1918, but was seized by Russia in 1920 became part of the USSR in 1922 Ukrainians faced hardships during the Soviet era cultural suppression, seizure of land/farms, famine, economic hardship, Nazi occupation during WWII Russia transferred control of Crimea to Ukraine in 1954 Ukrainian nationalist movement gained momentum from 1960s-1980s reacquired independence in 1991 continued tension with Russia regarding nuclear weapons, debt, military, Crimea

Recent Events Sympathies among Ukrainians are split between Western Europe and Russia Vladimir Putin has encouraged stronger ties with Russia, leading to protests Russia annexed Crimea after Ukrainian president Victor Yanukovych fled the country pro-Russian separatists have received support from Russia Malaysian Airlines passenger jet shot down in July 2014 by pro-Russian rebels Western nations have imposed steep sanctions on Russia, as it builds up its military presence on Ukrainian border