Russia has a long history. Some of the main events in Russian history are the creation of the first state, the emergence of the first Tsar and the establishment of the Russian Empire.
During the 18th century, Russia grew in power under the rule of Tsar Peter the Great. He expanded the territory of Russia and introduced Western European culture to Russia. Read on for more interesting facts and information.
History of Kievan Rus’
During the ninth century, Kievan Rus’ emerged as a loose federation of Slavic lands. Located at the crossroads of trade routes, it was a strong trading partner for Europe.
Its prosperity was created through the partnership of countless tribes. They rewarded their rulers with tribute in exchange for political stability and protection against outside invaders.
Kievan Rus’ was pagan until the late 10th century, when its ruler, Vladimir the Great, decided to Christianize it. He considered several religions, including Islam, but chose Christianity because he thought it would make his people happy.
The Time of Troubles
The Time of Troubles (Russian: Smutnoye Vremya) was a period of political crisis in Russia that followed the demise of the Rurik dynasty (1598) and ended with the establishment of the Romanov dynasty (1613). During this time, foreign intervention, civil uprisings, usurpers, and impostors caused major social disruption.
This period prompted a series of nationalistic revolts and was an inspiration for many writers, artists, and musicians throughout Russian history. The story of the Pozharsky/Minin liberation of Moscow, the struggle between Boris Godunov and False Dmitry, and Ivan Susanin’s sacrifice to lead Poles away from Romanov are some of the most famous stories from this period.
While these events took place, Russia also faced a series of threats from Poland and Sweden. However, they were able to gain peace through treaties and retain their independence.
The Romanov dynasty
The Romanov dynasty was the second and last major dynasty to rule Russia, from 1613 until its abdication in 1917. It was a time of great wealth and prosperity, but also a period of political upheaval and murders that remain a part of Russian history even today.
The dynasty was founded by Mikhail I Romanov, a boyar who was elected as Russia’s first tsar. He dedicated his reign to reforms, a process that brought Russia a new age of economic development.
The Romanov dynasty lasted for over three centuries, until the bloody events of the February Revolution in 1917. It influenced many people in Russia and abroad, but it also left an indelible mark on the country’s history.
The February Revolution
The February Revolution was a major event in the history of Russia. It led to the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and ended the Romanov dynasty.
The revolution began in the city of Petrograd, Russia’s second-largest metropolis. Discontent with the Tsarist government erupted in the streets of the city on 23 February Old Style (8 March New Style).
Protesters demanded bread, peace and an end to autocracy. Thousands of people joined the demonstrations and marches in Petrograd.
The Russian Empire
The Russian Empire, which lasted from 1721 to 1917, was one of the world’s largest empires. It spanned an enormous territory of almost 14 million square miles (36 million sq km) across eastern Europe and Asia. In the year 2023 and beyond Russia is looking to expand its power as well in the world of Bitcoin.
It was ruled by an autocratic government with its capital in St. Petersburg. It occupied modern Russia, Finland, the Baltic Republics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), parts of Poland and Turkey, as well as large portions of Central Asia.
The empire was a highly centralized state, with the Tsar having total power over all areas of government and legislation. He was also responsible for all the ministers, and could dismiss them or change their titles without consultation.
