Absolutism in RussiaBy Brianna, Emily, Brody, Ewurakua, and Bill

The Romanov Dynasty

● Second imperial dynasty● Reigned from 1613 to March 15th 1917● Family fortunes soared through

marriage● Family of Emperor Nicholas II were

executed by the Bolshevikso None thought to be alive

● End of direct family bloodline

Rulers

● Born on June 9th, 1672 in Moscow, Russia● 14th child of Czar Alexis, first child with his second wife● Special interest in military affairs, navigation, mathematics, sailing● Constantly under threat from mother and step mother

○ Theodore, Peter’s brother came into power, yet died in 1682○ Sophia- sister of Peter and Ivan – since both Ivan and Peter were under age to rule

■ Had an unpopular domestic policy ● At 17, Peter removed Sophia, in 1689

○ Technically shared throne with Ivan, until his death in 1696- when Peter gained full power

● Inherited a severely underdeveloped nation in comparison to European countries● Took extensive reforms in reestablishing Russia’s power● Peter physical presence indicated his rule

Peter the Great: Czar of Russia

Rulers● Born Sophie von Anhalt- Zerbst, on May 2nd, 1729● Daughter of German prince, commander of regiment of Prussian army● Arrived in Russia as the Grand Duchess Catherine Alekseyavna● Married Peter III, grandson of Peter the Great, heir to the Russian throne- unhappy

marriage● She was intelligent, ambitious, formal education● Peter gained power in 1762 - plans to get rid of her● She had the support of the public and army● Peter was captured and assassinated

○ Not fully known if Catherine was involved in the assassination● Catherine in power for 34 years, until 1796

○ One of the most influential leaders in the country● Expanded Russia’s borders and continued westernization

Catherine the Great or Catherine II

Peter The Great (r. 1682-1725)

Catherine The Great (r. 1762-1796)

Accomplishments

Peter the Great:● Military

o Formed Russia’s first standing army in 1699o Founded the first Russian Navy (invested in major training)o Expanded Weaponry o Captured the Ottoman city of Azovo Expanded the size of Russia through war

Accomplishments

Peter the Great:● Transformed Russia into the Russian Empire and had great

military and power● Helped with the foundation of the city of St. Petersburg (May

27, 1703)o captured the Swedish Fort

● Great Embassy o westernization-education, clothing, etc.

Accomplishments Peter the Great:● Introduced the Poll Taxes to increase the government revenue● Introduced land reforms

o landowners have a sensible amount of control over peasants ● Many churches and universities were established● School of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Navigation were

founded● Russia’s first newspaper-The Vedomosti● Russia gained a warm-water port, gained a strong army, and had a

strengthened economy

Accomplishments

Catherine the Great● sponsored education programs● extended the Russian Borders● Directed the building of the Hermitage Museum● 1776-created major cultural institution

o Great Theatre of Moscow● After death of Peter the Great, further expanded and

supported westernizing Russia/expand territory

Failures

Ivan IV:● was seen as major failure as the leader of Russia● known as “The Terrible”● gained very little land during his ruling● was not able to gain port for Russian trade

Accomplishments of “Ivan the Terrible”● seeked absolute control of Russia

Absolutism Examples

“Ivan the Terrible”

● was Czar at the age of 3● seeked absolute control of Russia● seized the Boyars’ lands● released the Oprichniki upon the nation

“Peter the Great”

● sought to “westernize” Russia● imposed his aristocratic authority to

make changes● forced the Russians to adopt Western

ethnics