Russia Under the Tsars

E. Napp

Russia Under the Tsars

In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms:

Tsar (Czar)Peter the GreatWesternization

Catherine the Great

E. Napp

By the end of the 15th century, localrulers around Moscow declared their

independence from the Mongols.

E. Napp

Even with independence from theMongols, most Russians were serfsor peasants bound to Lords’ lands.

E. Napp

Russian nobles exercised almostabsolute power over their serfs in exchange

for absolute loyalty to the Tsar (Czar).

E. Napp

A tsar or czar was the Russiantitle for a king. Russian tsars had

absolute power.

E. Napp

Peter the Great was an important Russian tsar. He tried to modernize

and westernize Russia.

E. Napp

Peter the Great

• Peter the Great was an important Russian tsar or czar from 1682 -1725.

• He modernized Russia by introducing Western ideas, culture, and technology.

• He moved the capital of Russia from Moscow to St. Petersburg to have a “window on the West”.

E. Napp

Can you see why St. Petersburggave Peter the Great a “window

on the West”?

E. Napp

Catherine the Greatwas a Russian

Tsarina or Czarinafrom

1762-1796.

E. Napp

Catherine the Great

• Catherine the Great continued Peter the Great’s policies of expansion and Westernization.

• She also promoted limited reforms during her reign.

• However, she refused to part with any of her absolute power.

E. Napp

Like Peter the Great, Catherinethe Great was an absolute ruler.

E. Napp

During Peter the Great’s reign,Russian nobles were forced to dressand look Like Western Europeans.

E. Napp

Russia is a country on two continents:Europe and Asia. Under Peter and

Catherine, Russia turned towards Europe.

E. Napp

Questions for Reflection:

• Why did Russian noble have absolute power over their serfs?

• What was a Tsar?• What were two of Peter the Great’s goals

for Russia?• What did Catherine the Great accomplish

when she was Tsarina?• How were Russian tsars similar to Louis

XIV?