Aim: In What ways did Absolute Monarchs impact Russia? In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Do Now: Define Tsar (Czar) Peter the Great Westernization Catherine the Great Coach Smith

By the end of the 15th century, local rulers around Moscow declared their independence from the Mongols. Coach Smith

Even with independence from the Mongols, most Russians were serfs or peasants bound to Lords’ lands. Coach Smith

Russian nobles exercised almost absolute power over their serfs in exchange for absolute loyalty to the Tsar (Czar). Coach Smith

A tsar or czar was the Russian title for a king. Russian tsars had absolute power. Coach Smith

Peter the Great was an important Russian tsar. He tried to modernize and westernize Russia. Coach Smith

Peter the Great Peter the Great was an important Russian tsar or czar from 1682 -1725. He modernized Russia by introducing Western ideas, culture, and technology. He moved the capital of Russia from Moscow to St. Petersburg to have a “window on the West”. Coach Smith

Can you see why St. Petersburg gave Peter the Great a “window on the West”? Coach Smith

Catherine the Great was a Russian Tsarina or Czarina from 1762-1796. Coach Smith

Catherine the Great Catherine the Great continued Peter the Great’s policies of expansion and Westernization. She also promoted limited reforms during her reign. However, she refused to part with any of her absolute power. Coach Smith

Like Peter the Great, Catherine the Great was an absolute ruler. Coach Smith

During Peter the Great’s reign, Russian nobles were forced to dress and look Like Western Europeans. Coach Smith

Russia is a country on two continents: Europe and Asia. Under Peter and Catherine, Russia turned towards Europe. Coach Smith

Questions for Reflection: Why did Russian noble have absolute power over their serfs? What was a Tsar? What were two of Peter the Great’s goals for Russia? What did Catherine the Great accomplish when she was Tsarina? How were Russian tsars similar to Louis XIV? Coach Smith