The Rise of Russia

Creation of a Vast Russian Empire Three regions Northern Forests Farm land Southern Steppe

Roman times in Russia Slavs moved into Southern Russia Vikings begin trading and eventually settle

Kievan Russian Kiev – center of first Russian state First Russian unified territory Heart of a vital trade network Can sail down rivers to Constantinople to trade

Vladimir Sent groups out to observe the major monotheistic religions. Only glowing report to return was the one on Eastern Christianity. Olga, Vlad’s gma was the first to convert to Christianity. Vladimir converts Forces all citizens to convert Why would this be important to a ruler? Looking to Byzantine Empire for trade and religion.

Byzantine Influences in Early Russia Trade Christian missionaries Leaders position

Yaroslav the Wise Vladimir’s son Made trading alliances with Western European kings Married off his daughters Created legal code Stressed crimes against property, which demonstrates importance of commerce in society.

The Decline of Kiev Starts with death of Yaroslav Yaroslav divides territory among his sons Sons fight over territory Economic issues Trade declines with Constantinople due to the Crusades Mongols 1240 A.D. Mongols attack Kiev Many Russians are killed Kiev becomes part of Khanate of the Golden Horde

Mongol Conquest Under Mongol Control: Russian Orthodox Church thrived Brought Peace New trade routes Absolute power Cut Russia off from Western Europe during the High Middle Ages As long as tribute was paid, the Mongols let the people live how they wanted. Mongol Conquest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etmRI2_9Q_A&safe=active Crash Course Russia

Growth of Moscow as center of Russia During Mongol occupation, the Prince of Moscow gained power. Because of location along rivers Spiritual center of Russia

Ivan the Great (Ivan III) Driving force behind Moscow’s rise to power Built framework for absolute rule Limited powers of boyars Took title of czar Russian word for Caesar Refuses to pay Mongols Armies face off Never fight – both armies turn around and return home.

Ivan the Terrible Grandson of Ivan the Great Centralized royal power Feudalistic Ideas Granted land to nobles in return for military service Introduced laws that tied Russian serfs to the land. Organized the Oprichniki – agents of terror – enforce czar’s will

Time of Troubles – 1604 - 1613 Death of Ivan VI Leads to time of NO Successor: person to take over the thrown Leads to time of Peasant uprisings Disputes over succession Foreign Invasions Nobles finally decide who should rule Romanov Dynasty begins – will not end until 1917.

Peter the Great Centralize royal power Government and Religious power under his control Forced boyars to serve in civilian or military jobs In order to do this spreads serfdom (peasants). Tied serfs to land Labor on roads, canals or other government projects as well as serve in the military

Peter the Great Social and Economic Reforms Imported Western technology Improved Education Set up academies to study math, science & engineering Simplified Russian alphabet Adopted mercantilist policies Policy by which a nation sought to export more than it imported in order to build its supply of gold and silver

Peter the Great Wanted to Westernize Military Power Expanded Russian boarders Made St. Petersburg the capital of Russia – warm water port

Catherine the Great Recognized provincial government Codified laws Began state sponsored education Wanted to expand Russian boarders to get a warm water port