1. Russian Czars Increase Power

3. From Ivan to the Romanovs A series of Russian czars, including Ivan the Terrible, tries to strengthen the Russian state and reduce the power of the boyars, or nobles. After an initial “good” period, Ivan creates a ruthless police state and persecutes all who oppose him, including his heir. After Ivan dies, his second son takes over but is weak; power goes to the Romanovs.

4. Peter the Great Takes the Throne The Romanovs restored order to Russia. In 1696 Peter the Great becomes sole ruler of Russia. Russia is still a land of nobles and serfs at this time, isolated and backward. Peter visits western Europe to study its customs and technology.

5. Peter Rules Absolutely Peter decides to westernize Russia so it can compete with western Europe. He places religion under state control, limits nobles’ power, and modernizes the army. He gains territory on the Baltic Sea and builds the warm-water seaport St. Petersburg to gain easier access to the West.

7. Individual Activity Read pages 609-611 and answer the following questions in your notebook.  What were some key short-term effects of the decision to westernize Russia?  What were some key long-term effects?  Was the decision to westernize a good one? Why or why not?

8. Group Activity Create a poster advocating for or against the modernization (westernization) of Russia. The poster should be convincing and creative.