Russia: Significant People Flashcards
Ivan III the Great
Ivan III the Great (1440–1505) was the Grand Prince of Moscow from 1462 until his death. He is widely regarded as the most powerful prince of Muscovy and the founder of the Tsardom of Russia. Ivan is credited for ending the Mongol rule over Russia, expanding the lands of the Russian Tsardom, and laying the foundations for the Russian Empire. During his reign, he annexed the Novgorod Republic, secured tribute from the various Tatar khanates, and consolidated and expanded Russia’s borders. He also centralized the government, reformed the legal system, and eliminated the feudal system of appanage. He was an avid patron of the arts and is remembered for founding the Saint Petersburg Kremlin.
Ivan IV the Terrible
Ivan IV the Terrible (1530-1584) was the first tsar of Russia, ruling from 1547-1584. He is known for his brutal rule, which included the massacre of thousands of people, and he centralized power in the hands of the monarchy. He also expanded the Russian Empire, conquering parts of Siberia and Ukraine. His reign was marked by political terror and heavy handedness, which ultimately caused a great deal of suffering for the people of Russia.
Peter I the Great
Peter I (also known as Peter the Great) was a Russian Tsar who ruled from 1682-1725. He was determined to make Russia a powerful, modernized nation and led major military and diplomatic campaigns to expand Russian influence across Europe and Central Asia. In addition to his military reforms, he also implemented administrative, educational, and cultural reforms, ultimately helping to transform the Russian Empire into a powerful and influential European superpower.
Catherine II the Great
Catherine II the Great was a Russian Empress who reigned from 1762 to 1796. She was a strong and influential leader who modernized the Russian Empire and expanded its territories. She was a patron of the arts and education, and her reforms helped to lay the foundation of the Russian nation. She was a major figure in European diplomacy and politics of the 18th century.
Yemelyan Pugachev
Yemelyan Pugachev was a Cossack leader who led a large-scale peasant rebellion against Catherine II of Russia in the late 18th century. His revolt, known as the Pugachev Rebellion, was one of the largest peasant revolts in Russian history and sought to overthrow the rule of the Romanov dynasty. Pugachev and his followers captured several cities but were ultimately defeated by the Russian army. He was eventually captured and executed in 1775.
