Early Russian Rulers Accomplishments and Inadequacies

Ivan the Great ( ) (Ivan III) Freed Russia from Mongol rule Consolidated Russian rule (annexed Moscow’s rivals, former princes became nobility) Considered himself the successor to the Byzantine and Roman Empire –After marrying the Byzantine princess Sophia –Succeeded by his son Basil

Ivan the Great Bell Tower – Cathedral Square

Ivan the Terrible ( ) (Ivan IV) Created the Oprichnina – secret police who terrorized Ivan’s enemies First to take the title Czar “The Terrible” –threw young animals to their death from high rooftops –He also formed the habit of robbing and beating the people –In a fit of anger, lashed out at his 27-year-old son, Ivan Ivanovich, and struck him dead with an iron-pointed staff.

Established The Law Code of 1550 which Introduced the principle of statutory law. –the written law established by enactments expressing the will of the legislature, as distinguished from the unwritten law or common law. Weakened Tatar influence Extended rule into Siberia

"The famous St. Basil's Cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and built on the edge of Red Square between 1555 and Legend has it that on completion of the church the Tsar ordered the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, to be blinded to prevent him from ever creating anything to rival its beauty again. (He did in fact go on to build another cathedral in Vladimir despite his ocular impediment!) The cathedral was built to commemorate Ivan the Terrible's successful military campaign against the Tartar Mongols in 1552 in the besieged city of Kazan."

Peter the Great ( ) (Peter I) Traveled to Europe in disguise Brutally suppressed rebellions Reforms: 1.Westernized Russia – industry and culture 2.Military – gained waterways on the Baltic 3.Built St. Petersburg 4.Education – built schools that taught western scientific ideas

Peterhof Palace

Catherine the Great ( ) (Catherine II) “Enlightened” ruler Married Prince Peter and turned on him when he was named emperor –Forced him to abdicate, was then arrested and killed by his captors Enlightenment ideas –Law system – equal protection for all citizens Enhanced education Made Russia into a center of civilization –Beautified St. Petersburg –Theater, music, and painting flourished Improved trade – ending trade restrictions

Catherine the Great

Winter Palace Present Day St. Petersburg