Russia before 1917

By: Arriane L. and Cameron I.

Before 1917 a Danish Viking named Rurik settled in Novgorod. Rurik became ruler in 862A.D. When Rurik came to Russia he found Slavic-speaking farmers and hunters. He united these tribes into a single, well-organized government. The area then became the "land of Russia." Rurik moved the government to Kiev for better trade and water supply. The Rurik dynasty ruled for a long time. They held great power for a long time. Each were named as Great or as a very powerful czar(Caeser or Emperor). The death of Feodor, a czar who had no children to take the throne, ended the Rurik dynasty. There were only two dynasties that ever ruled in Russia; the first was Rurik, the last was Romanov.

After Rurik came Ivan III. He was better known as Ivan the Great. Ivan was born in Moscow in 1440. He was the grand prince of Moscow from 1452-1505. He was considered the first national leader of Russia. He was Basil II's successor. Before Ivan became czar, Russia was a divided country. Therefore many princes of Russia were in war against each other. Ivan was a ruthless warrior, a sage diplomat, and a wise land buyer. He achieved many of his goals because of his great characteristics. Ivan extended the Russian frontier east to Siberia. Sophia Paleologa became Ivan's bride in 1472. Scholars, painters, and architects came to Moscow to help create an imposing court because of Sophia. Ivan made Russia's first law code in 1497. Ivan was very close with the Orthodox Church against critics. The church accepted his control and in return they gave the grand prince his protection. Ivan became known as "Ivan the Great" because he was a powerful leader to Russia. He ruled for many years and then died in 1505. His grandson, Ivan IV, also known as "Ivan the Terrible," became his successor.

Russia was also part of the Mongol Empire at the time. Russia was being controlled by the Mongolians. Genghis Khan Batu, a grandson of Genghis Khan, and his Mongol troops went into Russia and destroyed every town in 1237. The Mongols set up a government in which the Mongols would come to Russia collecting taxes from the princes and princesses and then leaving and coming back after a while. The Mongolians were in power over Russia for about 250 years. Russia experienced terror after terror. In 1480, Ivan III ended the Mongols control of Russia. It was the day for which Ivan III would never be forgotten.