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