Key Figures in Russian History

These flashcards cover significant terms and figures in Russian history from Ivan IV to Mikhail Gorbachev.

Ivan IV

Also known as Ivan the Terrible, he was the first ruler to be crowned Tsar of Russia and transformed the Grand Duchy of Moscow into a more powerful Tsardom.

Romanov Dynasty

A ruling family in Russia from 1610 to 1917, starting with Mikhail I.

Peter I

Known as Peter the Great, he attempted to westernize Russia and established St. Petersburg as its new capital.

Catherine II

Also known as Catherine the Great, she continued the westernization of Russia and was significant for her reform efforts.

Nicholas II

The last Tsar of Russia, he struggled with modern governance and was overthrown during the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Vladimir Lenin

Leader of the Bolshevik party who led the first successful communist revolution in Russia and established the U.S.S.R.

Josef Stalin

Successor to Lenin, known for his totalitarian rule and the widespread purges within the Soviet Union.

Nikita Kruschev

Leader during the Cold War known for de-Stalinization and notable events like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Mikhail Gorbachev

Last leader of the Soviet Union, recognized for his policies of Glasnost and Perestroika which led to the end of the Cold War.