Russian Absolutism

 

Western Civilization pp.425-432

History & Culture of Russia / Ancient Russia

THE MONGOL CONQUEST   THE MONGOL YOKE  Muscovite Culture  The Mongols and the Emergence of Moscow

I. Constants in Russian History 
      A. Expansion 
      B. Absolutism 
      C.Xenophobia

II. Tsars and Absolutism 
     A.  Ivan III   (1462-1505) 
     B. Ivan IV, the Terrible  (1520-1584)
     C.  Boris Godunov  (1584-1605) 

III.   Romanov Dynasty (1613-1917)

    A.  Michael I
    B.  Peter the Great (1689-1725)
         Russia's Reforming Tsar: Peter the Great
         Peter I,   Peter I  
          Peter's Russia
         1. Westernization
              a. Domestic reforms  
              b. Military reforms
              c. Government Reforms
         2. Expansion 
              a. Northern War
    C.  Elizabeth of Russia   1741-1762) 
    D. Catherine II , the Great  (1762-1796)
         Peter III, czar of Russia  deposed husband of Catherine II
         1. Westernization 
         2. Expansion 

Be sure that you understand that the issue of Westernization was and is a divisive matter in Russian history.  Be sure to note how the Russian rulers maintained their absolute authority.  Be able to describe how Peter I, Elizabeth and Catherine II were alike in their westernization and expansionist policies.  Be sure you are familiar with Peter I and Catherine II's biographies.

Links
Time Line  1689-1917

Zimskii_Sobor

 Peter the Great and the Rise of Russia, 1682-1725

Jean Rousset de Missy's Description of Peter I's Western Dress Code

The Personality of Peter the Great

Catherine the Great

Gossip/Scandal links:

 Peter the Great     Peter I in England 1698

 Russia's Dark Enlightenment 

 Catherine II and Peter III: The Odd Couple 

 

Romanovs slide show.