THE TIME OF TROUBLES
The Problems Begin
Ivan IV dies in 1584
Son Feodor succeeds him
Weak & ineffective ruler
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
The Fight for Control
Several factions competing
Shuiskiis
Romanovs
Boris Godunov
• Effectively rules from 1588
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Growing Crises
Social & economic problems stemming from Ivan IV’s rule
Hostile neighbors: Crimean Tatars, Poles, & Swedes
Country exhausted from wars
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Succession Problems
Feodor had no heirs, only half-brother Dmitrii of Uglich
Boris not of Rurikid bloodline
Death of Dmitri of Uglich
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Succession Problems
Feodor dies in Jan. 1598
No clear heir to throne
Frantic political manuvering
Boris Godunov rallies support – crowned Tsar Sept. 3, 1598
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Muscovy under Tsar Boris I
An able ruler
But faced overwhelming problems
Economic: famine 1602
Social: rising discontent & rebellion
Legitimacy issue
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Pretenders & Rebels
1604: “False Dmitrii” leads revolt
Actually Grigorii Otrepev
But gains many followers
1605: Boris dies, makes son Feodor Tsar
False Dmitrii overthrows Godunovs & becomes Tsar
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Pretenders & Rebels
Vasilii Shuiskii & followers start riot in Moscow, 1606
Overthrow False Dmitrii
Shuiskii made Tsar
Also faces legitimacy problem
Disorder & unrest continue
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Pretenders & Rebels
Ivan Bolotnikov starts new rebellion, 1606
New pretender emerges, Peter, son of Feodor I
Shuiskii defeats rebels
But cannot contain disorder
THE TIME OF TROUBLES
Pretenders & Rebels
New “False Dmitrii”
Sets up rival govt. in Tushino, 1608
Shuiskii & followers drive out rebels
Shuiskii’s forces fall apart, 1610
Poles march on Moscow
Shuiskii overthrown