Unit 3: Developing Nations Pt.2 Russia

It had remained isolated.

Why was Russia’s culture so different from the rest of Europe?

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire

What did Russia develop its civilizations based on?

Absolute monarchy

What was the government in Russia?

Ivan IV

1533-1584. One of the most powerful early tsars who was throned at age 3. Nicknamed “Ivan the Terrible”

He had witnessed a lot of fighting between rival noble groups during childhood.

Why did Ivan IV not trust the nobles as an adult?

Increased trade and contact with Western Europe + developed a strong army

What did Ivan IV do for Russia while in power?

A warm water seaport for Russia (all of the others were frozen over.) Failed

What did Ivan IV want?

Peter the Great (Peter I)

1682-1725. Nearly 7-feet tall, very powerful, realized that Russia contained limited knowledge of the world and that much of the population was illiterate.

He wanted to change Russia into a modern nation. He forced the people to adopt and use Western European ways after studying England and the Netherlands.

What did Peter the Great (Peter I) want?

Shipbuilding, languages, and math

What subjects did the Western European schools, that Peter sent people to, teach?

He expanded into Siberia (1689) and defeated the Swedes, gaining control of the Baltic coastline (1721). Built a capital, St. Petersburg, on the Baltic. Created the dvorianie in Russia - a new class of nobility.

What did Peter the Great do for Russia?

Loyal to the tsar for life, received land in return, controlled Russia’s peasants

Characteristics of the dvorianie social class

Copied the French tax system (high taxes on the poor, no taxes on the rich/nobles)

Describe Peter’s style of government

Holy Synod

Division of bishops created and controlled by Peter

They made Russia stronger in foreign affairs, but the culture was destroyed.

What did Peter’s reforms do for Russia?

Catherine the Great

1762-1796. Born in Germany (not Russian.) Former wife to Tsar Peter III, seized power from husband in 1762, heavily influenced by Western ideas. Russia’s last true absolute monarch.

They lost many rights.

What was the impact on commoners from Catherine’s rule?

Expanded Russia’s borders, secured a warm water seaport in the Black sea.

Describe the foreign policy of Catherine the Great.