The tsars

Who was Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible)?

Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, was the first tsar of Russia, crowned in 1547.

What was the significance of Ivan IV's reign?

Ivan IV's reign marked the autocratic rule of Russia and the expansion of the empire towards the east.

Why did Moscow consider itself the "Third Rome"?

Moscow saw itself as the "Third Rome" after the fall of Constantinople, believing it had a messianic destiny.

What territories did Ivan IV conquer to expand Russia?

Ivan IV expanded Russia by conquering Kazan and Astrakhan.

Who was Peter the Great?

Peter the Great (1672-1725) was a tsar who sought to modernize Russia and make it a European power.

What significant changes did Peter the Great make in Russia?

Peter the Great moved the capital to Saint Petersburg, reformed administration, and imposed European customs on the nobility.

How did Peter the Great modernize the Russian army?

Peter the Great modernized the army by employing German officers.

Who was Catherine the Great?

Catherine the Great (1729-1796) was a German princess who became empress of Russia after her husband's death.

How did Catherine the Great present herself to the public?

Catherine the Great presented herself as an "enlightened despot," supportive of philosophers like Diderot.

What was Russia's status in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, Russia was one of the great world powers, with vast territorial expansion.

What were the guiding principles of Tsar Nicholas I?

Nicholas I's principles were "autocracy, orthodoxy, and national genius."

Who was Alexander II?

Alexander II (1818-1881) was a tsar known for his progressive reforms.

What key reform did Alexander II implement in 1861?

Alexander II ended serfdom in Russia through a decree (oukase) in 1861.

What were the nihilists?

The nihilists were a revolutionary group in Russia advocating for the complete destruction of the state.

How did Alexander II die?

Alexander II was assassinated by revolutionaries despite his reforms.

What happened in 1905 in Russia?

In 1905, there was a failed revolution known as the "Bloody Sunday" in Saint Petersburg.

What did Tsar Nicholas II do after the 1905 revolution?

After 1905, Tsar Nicholas II tried to share power by creating the Duma, an elected assembly.

What caused the fall of Tsar Nicholas II's reforms?

Nicholas II's reforms were sabotaged by his own government, and he lost control.

Who was Rasputin?

Rasputin was a mystic who had significant influence over the Russian imperial family.

How did Rasputin influence the Romanov family?

Rasputin gained the trust of the Romanovs, particularly Tsarina Alexandra, and had a major influence on their decisions.

What event led to the downfall of Tsar Nicholas II?

The entry of Russia into World War I in 1914 marked the beginning of Nicholas II's downfall.

How did Peter the Great change Russia's appearance?

Peter the Great had Saint Petersburg constructed in the Western style to give Russia a European appearance.

How did the Russian nobility react to Peter the Great’s reforms?

The Russian nobility was required to adopt Western European clothing and shave their beards as part of Peter's reforms.

How did Russia’s territorial expansion affect its status?

Russia became the largest state in the world due to its expansion into the south and east.

What role did philosophy play in Catherine the Great's reign?

Catherine the Great corresponded with philosophers like Diderot and was influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

How did Tsar Nicholas II attempt to reform after 1905?

Nicholas II attempted to reform by sharing power with the Duma, but his reforms were ineffective.

What did the Russian royal family experience under Rasputin's influence?

The Russian royal family became increasingly influenced by Rasputin, who gained power through his relationship with Tsarina Alexandra.

What was the significance of "autocracy, orthodoxy, and national genius"?

These were the guiding principles of Tsar Nicholas I, reflecting Russia's conservative policies.

What happened after the assassination of Alexander II?

After Alexander II's assassination, his more conservative successors reversed his reforms, and the revolutionary movements intensified.

What led to the weakening of the Russian monarchy in the early 20th century?

The weakening of the monarchy was caused by ineffective reforms, corruption, and Rasputin's influence.