The Rise and Rule of Russian Tsars

Ivan III

Early tsar who expanded Moscow's power.

Ivan IV

Also known as Ivan the Terrible, violent ruler.

Third Rome

Claim of Russia as successor to Rome.

Boyars

Russian aristocrats who held significant power.

Mongol Influence

Mongols shaped Russian governance and culture.

Cossacks

Peasants recruited for military and agriculture.

Time of Troubles

Period of instability after Ivan IV's death.

Romanov Dynasty

Ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917.

Peter the Great

Tsar who modernized Russia and expanded territory.

St. Petersburg

New capital established by Peter the Great.

Serfdom

System tying peasants to landowners.

Military Nobles

Granted hereditary territories for loyalty.

Autocratic Rule

Centralized power in the hands of the tsar.

Westernization

Adoption of Western ideas and practices.

Secret Police

Force established to suppress dissent.

Agricultural Economy

Dominant economic system in early Russia.

Tax Collection

Moscow princes gained experience under Mongols.

Eastern Orthodox Church

Religious institution supported by Russian rulers.

Old Believers

Russians resisting church reforms, exiled to Siberia.

Military Expansion

Policy to extend Russian territory and influence.

Byzantine Influence

Cultural impact from the Byzantine Empire.

Caspian Sea

Geographic target for Russian southern expansion.

Bureaucratic Reforms

Streamlining government structure under Peter I.

Noble Councils

Eliminated by Peter to centralize power.

Iron holdings

Resources supporting munitions and shipbuilding industries.

Serf labor

Forced labor system supporting noble landowners' agriculture.

Catherine the Great

Empress who expanded Russia and promoted Enlightenment ideas.

Pugachev rebellion

Peasant uprising against serfdom led by Cossack chieftain.

Nobility's power

Increased authority over serfs and regional governance.

Enlightenment ideas

Philosophical concepts promoting reason and individual rights.

Cultural exchanges

Interactions leading to the spread of ideas and customs.

Radishchev

Advocate for abolition of serfdom, persecuted by Catherine.

Territorial expansion

Russia's growth through conquests and territorial claims.

Crimea

Region acquired by Catherine during territorial expansion.

Polish partition

Division of Poland among Russia, Austria, and Prussia.

Cossack chieftain

Leader of the Pugachev rebellion claiming tsar legitimacy.

Western fashion

Adoption of Western styles, including ballet and Christmas trees.

Peasant uprisings

Revolts against noble oppression and serfdom conditions.

Technological exclusion

Ordinary people excluded from advancements and discussions.

Military strength

Economic development aimed at enhancing Russia's military.

Illiteracy among peasants

Lack of education contributing to serfdom's perpetuation.

Agricultural focus

Emphasis on farming limiting urbanization and social mobility.

Luxury imports

High-value goods brought in exchange for grain surplus.

Catherine's reforms

Changes aimed at modernizing Russia while maintaining power.

Noble taxation power

Landlords allowed to levy taxes on serfs.

Public execution

Pugachev's brutal punishment symbolizing state authority.

Economic backwardness

Criticism of Russia's slow progress and reliance on serfdom.

Weak tsardom

Period of ineffective leadership following Peter's death.