Explain How Ivan III How Could He Secure The Domains Of His Father

1. How does the author describe Ivan III? How could he secure the domains of his father? Ivan III (Ivan the Great) is described as someone who skillfully created the Russian providence. He started the trend of “czars” in Russian government and declared himself the czar or Caesar. He was also referred to as the “gatherer of the Russian lands”. He realized that there was a problem with having 5 princes govern the same area and made strives to gain complete authority. He used several different methods to take control away from his brothers and the author says that despite his skilled efforts (diplomacy, force) luck was a vital component to his gaining the power.

2. Explain how Ivan III expanded Russia's border. What were some of the strategies

To conquer the principality of Tver, he directly invaded but in the Yaroslavl and Rostov principalities he bought off the great princes of those countries. In conquering Novgorod, his most notable gathered principality, he invaded during their time of trouble and took control. Once he had control he deported boyars, merchants, and executed many. In regard to the land he seized, he gave it to individuals who would take care of the land for Ivan, and they knew their land was given to them on conditional release. His other conquest (specifically, Lithuanian) would lead to the Russian involvement of war with their Western rivals and neighbors.

3. What were Ivan's intentions when he married Sophia Paleologue, the niece of the last Byzantine emperor? What were his ideas about building an absolutist

Did the economic situation improve in Russia after Ivan the Terrible was gone? Who was in charge and why?

Under the rule of Boris Godunov, the economic status of Russia was improved. While Fyodor II originally became czar after Ivan the Terrible’s death, Fyodor II died shortly after and that is when Godunov became czar. However, there was a person who was supposed to inherit the title of czar before Godunov and that was Fyodor’s brother Dmitry. Dmitry did not become czar because he was claimed to have been murder, which in consequence, left title of czar to Fyodor's brother in-law, Boris Godunov.

5. Describe the first years of the Romanov era and the important facts about the reign of Michael Romanov. What was it like under Alexis? One of the most important facts about Michael Romanov’s reign was that the power of the aristocracy was kept intact, as the power of Michael was respected and no one tried to limit his power. Another fact is that there was no dispute about who would rule Russia once Michael died. In fact the author states that the leadership was given to Michael's son, Alexis, without difficulty. Finally due to several different treaties with nearby countries, Russia was able to remain almost completely peaceful during Michael’s