The Russian Empire

Peter the Great

Ivan the Terrible

Ivan IV First Russian monarch to use the

title of Tsar (also spelled Czar) Assumed the throne at age three Regent formed consisting of Ivan’s

sister Yelena , Ivan, his younger brother Georgi, and several Boyars What are boyars?

Ivan the TERRIBLE Yelena dies in 1538 Suspicion surrounding the possible poisoning

by the Boyars Ivan 8 years old Boyar families fight for de facto control of the

government and push Ivan to the side Encouraged him to be cruel to animals and people

10 years of Boyar rule leaves Ivan scarred Unbalanced, undisciplined, cruel and slightly crazy

Ivan Takes Control In 1543 executes a member of the

Boyars and grants more freedom to a family he favored

Marries Anastasia Romanov in 1547

The Two Ivans: Part I Permanent military established

Nobility required to serve Economics

Government monopolies New currency

General increase in control over the lives of all of the citizens

The Two Ivans: Part I Instituted reforms including the

formation of the Zemski Sobor Sudebnik

Code of laws Limited aristocracy Made it more difficult for peasants to

leave their land

The Two Ivans: Part I Church Reform in

1551 Government

supervision of clergy

Check on growth of church land

Correction of rituals Icon-painting rules

Ivan’s Illness and Loss of Son Falls ill and demands princes and

boyars swear allegiance to his small son Dimitri Many refuse Ivan Recovers

Visits a monastery to give thanks for recovery Nurse drops baby Dimitri into a river

and he drowns

Death of Anastasia Dies in 1560 Ivan has emotional break down

Bangs head on floor in full view of court Destroys furniture

Ivan believes (but has no proof) the boyars poisoned his wife Tortures and executes many including his

close allies and confidants Cruelty and insanity break through

The Two Ivans: Part II Mistrust of Boyars leads to constant

vigilance, cruelty, and repression Oprichnina

Special police force assembled to destroy the Boyar land-elite

Wear all black and ride black horses No remorse for torturing, killing, or

dismembering other human beings

The Two Ivans: Part II Constant paranoia and alternative

debauchery and repentance Secret “monastic” order

Creative, horrific torture for anyone who crossed his path in reality or in his delusional mind

Killed his second son in a fit of rage leaving his third and final son from Anastasia Theodore to take the throne upon his death