Overview
This lecture covers the early history of Russia, focusing on the Kievan Rus, Mongol rule, Moscow's rise, and the development of Russian autocracy, particularly under Ivan the Terrible.
Kievan Rus Origins and Society
- Kievan Rus was an early Russian state centered in Kiev, founded by Slavic people, though older theories suggest Viking origins.
- Trade was central to Kievan Rus, with treaties and laws heavily focused on commerce.
- Social status and taxes depended on relationships to land; peasants in debt became permanently tied to land.
- The ruler was called the Grand Prince, a model for future Russian monarchs.
- Kievan Rus adopted Byzantine Christianity under Prince Vladimir in the 11th century.
Mongol Conquest and Appanage Russia
- Mongols conquered Kiev in 1240, leading to a period called Appanage Russia with divided princedoms.
- Mongol rule shifted population northward and cut Russia off from Byzantium and Europe.
- Mongols were light rulers, requiring tribute and recognition of their authority, but allowed local autonomy.
- Mongols chose the Grand Prince and helped Moscow gain power by granting tribute collection rights.
Rise of Moscow
- Moscow expanded influence by collecting tribute and benefiting from Mongol support and strategic trade location.
- Moscow became the seat of the Eastern Orthodox Church in 1325.
- Moscow's princes, like Ivan Kalita, enriched themselves and acquired more principalities.
- Dmitry Donskoy's victory over the Mongols at Kulikovo Field marked the first major Russian triumph over Mongol forces.
Centralization and Ivan the Great
- Ivan III (Ivan the Great) ended Mongol tribute, consolidated territory, and declared himself sovereign of all Russians.
- Ivan III married the niece of the last Byzantine emperor and adopted the title tsar (Caesar), establishing a centralized Russian state.
Ivan the Terrible and Russian Autocracy
- Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) became tsar at 16 and initially enacted reforms with advisers and a representative council.
- After his wife's death, Ivan became increasingly tyrannical, targeting the nobility (boyars) and instituting purges with secret police (oprichniki).
- Ivan IV established absolute tsarist power through terror and suspension of law, setting a precedent for future Russian rulers.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Kievan Rus — Early Russian state centered in Kiev, precursor to modern Russia.
- Grand Prince — Title for the ruler of Kievan Rus and later Russian states.
- Appanage — A princedom; division of territory among various princes.
- Khanate of the Golden Horde — Mongol state that ruled over Russia post-Kiev.
- Boyars — Russian nobility and landowners.
- Oprichniki — Secret police established by Ivan the Terrible.
- Tsar — Russian title for emperor, derived from Caesar.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the rise of Moscow and the effects of Mongol rule for class discussion.
- Read about Ivan the Terrible's reign and its impact on Russian autocracy.