Absolutism in Russia

EQ 3: Who were the great absolute rulers of Russia and what did they accomplish? Key Terms: “Time of Troubles”, boyars, Romanov, Ivan IV, Peter the Great, “Window to the West”, Great Northern War, Catherine the Great

Time of Troubles Decades of civil war, turmoil Boyars—Russian nobles; fighting for control of the throne Death, destruction, famine, disease

Ivan IV First czar (emperor of Russia) died w/o heir Killed own son in heated argument Nicknamed Ivan the Terrible

Romanov Dynasty Came to power after Time of Troubles Ruled Russia 1613 – 1917 Established absolute monarchy in Russia

Peter the Great—Political Power Goal to westernize Russia, went on 18- month tour of W. Europe, learned shipbuilding, W. Europe culture Great Northern War, 1700 – 1721—war w/ Sweden to gain land along Baltic Sea; wanted water access to W. Europe St. Petersburg—new capital of Russia built along Baltic Sea; nicknamed “Window to the West”

Peter the Great—Social Power Forced all boyars to move to new capital Boyars also required to serve in govt. or military

Peter the Great—Economic Power Financed construction of St. Petersburg w/o borrowing $ from foreign powers Adopted western policy of mercantilism Rapid industrialization, ↑ # of factories, 13 to 200

Peter the Great—Cultural Power Placed Orthodox Church under govt. control Used Church $ to finance war & expansion Melted Church bells to make weapons Forced boyars to wear western attire, western clothes, men had to cut off beards or pay a tax Started schools, simplified alphabet, modernized Russian calendar Started 1st Russian newspaper to spread western ideas

Catherine the Great, 1762 – 1796

Background Prussian princess, married Peter III (heir to throne) at age 15 Peter died 1762, Catherine became czarina

Political Power Brought golden age in Russia Expanded empire to greatest size Waged war, got land along Baltic & Black Seas

MAP CATHERINE”S EMPIRE