The Rise of Russia

Section 9-2 pp. 289-293

Preview Questions

• How did geography help shape early Russia and the growth of Kiev?

• How did the Mongol conquest affect Russia? • Why did Moscow emerge as the chief power

in Russia?

The Geography of Russia

The Geography of Russia

The Growth of Kiev

• Slavs expanded into Russia during Roman times

• Varangians (Vikings) became part of Russian culture

The Growth of Kiev

• Byzantine Influence– Trade– Cyrillic Alphabet – Byzantine Christianity– Heirs to Byzantine

empire and culture• Yaroslav– Ruler during Kiev’s

golden age

Mongol Conquest • Mongols: Nomadic warriors

from Central Asia united under Genghiz Khan

• The Golden Horde – Mongols invaded and ruled

Russia in 13th Century– Demanded tribute and

recognition as overlords– Generally tolerant and let

Russian princes rule

Mongol Conquest

• Effects of Mongol Rule – Heavy burden of taxes– Some peasants turned to

Russian nobles for protection– Tolerance and growth of

Russian Orthodox Church– Peace across Asia led to

increased trade – Isolation of women – Tradition of absolute rule

Moscow Takes the Lead

• Rise of Moscow– Located near important

trade routes – Power from collecting

tributes for Mongols – Capital of Russian

Orthodox Church – Defeated Golden Horde

in 1380

Moscow Takes the Lead

• Ivan the Great – United and added land to

Russia’s empire – Absolute Rule • Limited power of boyars,

or landholding nobles • Took the title czar• Idea of divine rule

Moscow Takes the Lead

• Ivan the Terrible – Introduced feudalism in

Russia as it was fading in Western Europe

– Used oprichniki as special agents to enforce his will

– Tradition of extreme absolute power

Looking Ahead…

• “Time of Troubles” – Invasions– Uprisings– Disputes over succession

• Romanov Dynasty began in 1613 when Michael Romanov was chosen to be new czar