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Absolute Rulers of Russia. Mr. Green . Why This Matters Today. This information is important because many Russians today debate whether to model themselves on the West or to focus on traditional Russian culture. The First Czar.
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Absolute Rulers of Russia Mr. Green
Why This Matters Today • This information is important because many Russians today debate whether to model themselves on the West or to focus on traditional Russian culture
The First Czar • Ivan IV, known as Ivan The Terrible, came to the throne in 1533 when he was only 3 years old • Seized power over the boyars- Russia’s landowning nobles who fought to control Ivan • Ivan’s “Good Period”- Added land, gave Russia a code of laws, and ruled justly
Rule by Terror • Accusing the Boyars of poisoning his wife, Ivan turned against them • Ivan created a police force who wore all black and rode black horses that murdered people who were suspected to be traitors • He put fear into everyone when he killed his own son
Romanovs Take Control • When Ivan’s youngest son died while in control, he left no heirs • Since the Russians had no ruler, the Boyars selected Michael Romanov to take control • The Romanovs would control Russia from 1613-1917
Peter the Great Comes to Power • Coming to power in 1696, Peter the Great became known as one of Russia’s greatest reformers • Had the mind of a genius, a body of a giant, and a temper of a bear
Religion in Russia • Unlike being Catholic or Protestant like most of Europe, Russia adopted the Eastern Orthodox Church
Peter Goes to Europe • Embarking on a journey to visit Western Europe, Known as the Grand Embassy, Peter wanted to learn how the Europeans were so advanced and longed for Russia to become a fierce power as well
Westernization • Using Europe as a model for change • To make this a reality in Russia, Peter became an absolute ruler over his people
Westernizing Russia • Potatoes introduced • Started Russia’s first newspaper • Raised women’s status • Advanced education
Establishing St. Petersburg • To get a ‘window’ to the West, Russia battled Sweden of a piece of the Baltic Coast • Named after Peter, St. Petersburg was built over a swamp and is know one of the most important ports in the world