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Russia Under the Tsars

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

Tsar (Czar)Peter the GreatWesternization

Catherine the Great

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

independence from the Mongols.

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

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Russian nobles exercised almostabsolute power over their serfs in exchange

for absolute loyalty to the Tsar (Czar).

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

absolute power.

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

and westernize Russia.

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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”.

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

on the West”?

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Catherine the Greatwas a Russian

Tsarina or Czarinafrom

1762-1796.

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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.

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

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

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

Catherine, Russia turned towards Europe.

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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?