1. Russia Under the Tsars
In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:
Tsar (Czar)
Peter the Great
Westernization
Catherine the Great
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2. By the end of the 15th century, local
rulers around Moscow declared their
independence from the Mongols.
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3. Even with independence from the Mongols, most Russians were serfs
or peasants bound to Lords’ lands.
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4. Russian nobles exercised almost
absolute power over their serfs in exchange
for absolute loyalty to the Tsar (Czar).
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5. A tsar or czar was the Russian title for a king. Russian tsars had
absolute power.
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6. Peter the Great was an important Russian tsar. He tried to modernize
and westernize Russia.
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7. Peter the Great
Peter the Great was an important Russian tsar or czar from
He modernized Russia by introducing Western ideas, culture, and technology.
He moved the capital of Russia from Moscow to St. Petersburg to have a “window on the West”.
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8. Can you see why St. Petersburg gave Peter the Great a “window
on the West”?
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9. Catherine the Great was a Russian Tsarina or Czarina from 1762-1796.
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10. Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great continued Peter the Great’s policies of expansion and Westernization.
She also promoted limited reforms during her reign.
However, she refused to part with any of her absolute power.
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11. Like Peter the Great, Catherine the Great was an absolute ruler.
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12. During Peter the Great’s reign, Russian nobles were forced to dress
and look Like Western Europeans.
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13. Russia is a country on two continents:
Europe and Asia. Under Peter and
Catherine, Russia turned towards Europe.
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14. Questions for Reflection:
Why did Russian noble have absolute power over their serfs?
What was a Tsar?
What were two of Peter the Great’s goals for Russia?
What did Catherine the Great accomplish when she was Tsarina?
How were Russian tsars similar to Louis XIV?
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