Transcript The Rise of Russia and Eastern Europe

The Rise of Russia
and Eastern Europe
Russian Geography
 Developed
in modern day Ukraine
 Political center moves to Northern area
 3 distinct geographical regions:
 Northern Forests
 Southern Fertile Lands
 Southern Steppe – Grasslands
Growth of Kiev
 Slavs
settled in Russia
 Slavs absorbed the Vikings into their
society
 Golden Age 1019-1054 under Yaroslav
the Wise
 Ends with Mongol invasions…
Byzantine Influence
 Trade
relationships and economic ties
develop between the two areas
 Introduction of Christianity
 Princess Ogla converts to Christianity
 Grandson Vladminir spreads Christianity
 Mass baptisms throughout empire
 Brought writing and education to region
Moscow Takes the Lead
 Located on important trade and
river routes
 Russian Orthodox Church makes
Moscow the spiritual capital = city
becomes more powerful
 Princes of Moscow build power
and influence
Ivan the Great (Ivan III)
 Ruled
from 1462 – 1505
 United much of Russia and freed
people from Mongols rule / taxes
 Limited the boyars, or land holding
nobles, power
 Became the CZAR = established
absolute monarchial power
Ivan the Great
Ivan the Great Bell Tower
Ivan the Terrible
 First
Czar (at age 3)
and witnesses horrific
acts throughout his
childhood
 Became “insane” after
his first wife died
Ivan the Terrible
 Constructive
Reign (1547-1560):
 Developed strong system of central
government
 Founded a national assembly
 Limited the power of the nobility,
but tied serfs to the land
Ivan the Terrible
 Destructive
Reign:
 Fits of violent rage (killed own son)
 Developed the oprichniki – agents
of terror
 Introduced absolute power to
Russia, but left nation in bad
shape…
Ivan the Terrible