The Rise of Russia

CENTRAL EUROPE The middle of the continent was defined by the HRE Politically, central Europe was comprised of numerous principalities, Church lands, and free towns By the end of the 15th century, the HRE was an empire in name only Central Europe was rich in minerals and timber

THE FORMATION OF STATES Factors involved in the formation of states in Europe in the late 15th and early 16th century included geography, population, natural resources, social characteristics, language, and religion Furthermore, advances in warfare made consolidation easier -- what could not be inherited or married could be conquered In combination these factors slowly moved Europe toward formation of states Caution! Europe under construction!

1. How have geography, climate & distance directed and limited Russian expansion? 2. How might geography, climate & distance affect the governance of Russia? 3. What states probably opposed Russian expansion?

EASTERN CONFIGURATION At the beginning of the 16th century, the principality of Muscovy was the largest political unit in Europe Under Ivan III, “the Great” (1462-1505), Muscovy expanded greatly largely due to deterioration of the Mongol Empire Ivan III extended the privileges of the nobility and organized a military class Ivan III Russia’s greatest historian, Sergei Platonov wrote: “The Grand Duke Ivan, endowed with quick wit and a will of iron completed the unification of the Russian lands under Moscow’s hand… “

Expansionism under the Tsars Ivan lll (the Great) from Moscow – liberate from Mongols - used nationalism & Orthodox loyalties - by 1480, large, independent state Mongol Legacy - reduced culture & economy - left local administration alone literacy declines economy agricultural Russia is 3rd Rome Ivan restores centralized rule - supervises church Ivan lV (the Terrible) - kills nobility (boyars) on charge of conspiracy

The Cossacks Expand Across Siberia: Late 1500s to mid 1600s

Impact of shift Russians sent Cossacks to hold the newly acquired land Cossacks were peasants who migrated to these new areas Trade from China was refocused through Russia

The Monarchy of Ivan IV In the 1500s Russia far behind western Europe in technical advancement and centralized government Russia run by church officials and boyars, or landowners Had conservative viewpoints 1546, young prince claimed title of czar, put Russia on different course Title was version of Latin word caesar, or emperor New czar, Ivan, intended to rule without limits on power His own madness created chaos Rule Without Limits During early years, Ivan IV made many reforms—created general council that included merchants, lower-level nobles Promoted military officers on merit; drew up legal code Expanded Russia’s borders, trade Reforms of Ivan IV As a result of such achievements, the years from 1547 to 1563 are known as Ivan’s “good period.”

Ivan the Terrible Private Police Force During 1560s, Ivan changed Strict policies, violent actions sealed reputation as Ivan the Terrible Suspicious of closest advisors; sent them away, killed supporters Was convinced wife was murdered, people conspiring against him Private Police Force Created private police force to investigate, punish opposition Men dressed in black, rode black horses Controlled almost half of Russia’s territory in Ivan’s name Brutally punished anyone who spoke out against czar’s policies

Last Years of Ivan 1565, harshness continued; seized land from 12,000 boyars Ordered killing of thousands of people in Novgorod; suspected they wanted to separate from Russia 1581, killed his own son, next in line to be czar Descent into mental illness seemed complete Descent into Mental Illness Death of Ivan’s son may have been accident, but left Russia without heir to throne Uncertainty about succession, economic problems, foreign invasions made chaotic period known as Time of Troubles 1613, Michael, relative of Ivan’s first wife, crowned czar; first of Romanov dynasty Dynasty lasted until 1917 Time of Troubles

Autocrats Michael was the first Romanov He was able to establish some stability but did not re-establish the autocracy of the emperor or czar He expands into the Ukraine and re-united Kiev with the rest of Russia He waged a successful war against Poland

While others were reforming… Alexis was able to re-establish the power of the czar by outlawing assemblies of the boyars He also re-organized the Orthodox Church Those who would not reform were called the Old believers and many were exiled to Siberia for their conservative views

Serfs before Mongols – peasants relatively free 1500s – encouraged serfdom to control large peasant population 1649 – serfdom hereditary other laws tie serfs to land, give landlords more authority bought, sold, punished

Trade & Economics 95% population rural few artisans (most manufacturing rural based) most trade handled by Westerners - few merchants Peter’s reforms increase trade - yet nobility prevent a strong commercial class ag & manufacturing methods remain traditional strengths – revenue good enough for expanding empire commerce with Central Asia

What was the nature of Russian serfdom? power of nobility increases 1600 – 1700s gives government a way to satisfy nobility & regulate peasants when govt. didn’t have the means to rule peasants directly had been basically free farmers before Mongols serfs tied to land, hereditary status, born to it close to slavery, serfs could be bought & sold, punished, essentially enslave their own people whole villages could be sold as manufacturing labor did use village governments to regulate lives, rely on community ties illiterate & poor paid high taxes, owed labor to landlords or government (obrok) economic & legal situation of the peasantry deteriorated

What is the basis for the culture of the Russian masses? Orthodox Christianity village life serfdom agriculture taxes

1450-1750 Russia has contact with the West Only a few big cities; 95% rural No strong merchant or commercial class Long-lasting multinational empire