Russia under Mongol Rule

Ivan the Great (r. 1462-1505) Ivan III Tearing the Great Khan’s Letter Requesting More Tribute in 1480.

Moving East Gained independence from the Mongols Russia moved east through Siberia Valued for furs, timber, and as a penal colony

Ivan IV (The Terrible) Continued the policy of expansion by conquest Establishing contacts in the west Increased the power of the tsar by killing many of the boyars (nobility) Cossacks – Peasant adventurers with agricultural and military skills recruited to conquer and settle in newly seized lands in southern Russia and Siberia

“Time of Troubles” – Ivan IV leaves no heir Boyars try to regain power Try to keep out foreign invasion Ended with the selection of Michael Romanov as tsar in 1613

Michael Romanov (r. 1613-1645) Michael Romanov restored internal order, drove out the foreign invaders, and recommenced imperial expansion

Power Struggle As the power of the tzar rose, the freedom of Russian peasants fell Legally transformed into serfs (slave) Bound to a piece of land

Peter the Great (r. 1689-1725) Peter I (the Great) – Tzar from 1689-1725; Abolustist Conquerer sought to change selected aspects of the economy and culture through imitation of western European models Peter the Great was an autocratic ruler Formed a Western type military force Brought the Russian Orthodox church under his control Increased the burdens of taxes and labor on the serfs

Russia & Sweden After the Great Northern War Peter the Great wanted a port on the Baltic Sea

Peter’s capitol moved to the Baltic city of St. Petersburg. The bureaucracy and military were reorganized on Western principles Reduced the role of the Boyars in the government and military

Fight Against the Ottomans Tried to gain control of Constantinople (Istanbul) Under the pretense of protecting Christians Wanted a warm water port Unsuccessful

Summarize: What is the significance of Peter the Great’s rule? Identify and explain at least two details in your response.