CHAPTER 5 SECTION 4

Absolute Rulers of Russia

THE FIRST CZAR Ivan the Terrible

Came to power in 1533 when 3 years old Nobles fought to control Ivan 16 seizes power and crowns himself Czar (Caesar) At first added land, made code of laws and ruled justly

Rule by Terror 1560 wife Anastasia dies-=thinks nobles poisoned

her= secret police kill nobles Gives new loyal nobles their land Eventually kills his oldest son

Rise of the Romanovs Younger son incapable of rule- dies w/out heir Representatives choose next czar- Anastasia's grand

nephew- Starts the Romanov dynasty- Rule for 33 years.

IVAN THE TERRIBLE

PETER THE GREAT COMES TO POWER Peter the Great

Becomes ruler in 1696, Reformer, increases Czar’s power

Russia contrasts with Europe Geographically isolated from rest of Europe Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity Serfdom in Russia A LOT longer than the rest of

Europe Nobles treat serfs like slaves, give them as presents,

sell them with the land, etc.

Peter Visits the West Peter wants a warm water port 24 makes trip to western Europe

PETER THE GREAT

PETER RULES ABSOLUTELY Peter’s Reforms

Peter used western Europe as a model for change Brought church under state control Reduced power of great landowners Hired European officers to train his army- made being

a soldier a lifetime job Westernizing Russia

Food (potatoes), clothing, women go to social gatherings, newspaper, more schools, go abroad for schooling

Establishing St. Petersburg Fought Sweden for port- called it St. Petersburg Built on a swamp- cost thousands of lives b/c of

unhealthy conditions Forced nobles to move their from Moscow