The Fall of the Czar

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Events

Ivan IV (the Terrible) the first czar; expands autocracy, begins annexation of Siberia

1533

Russian Orthodox Church becomes independent of other orthodox churches

1589

Time of Troubles, Poland invades Russia

1605 - 1613

Michael Romanov becomes czar, founds dynasty that rules until 1917

1613

Peter I (the Great) Russia's first emperor; creates modern European power; promotes Western culture, builds new capital, St. Petersburg

1689 - 1725

Catherine II (the Great) turns Russia into one of strongest powers in Continental Europe

1762 - 1796

Napoleon invades Russia; ferocious winter and Russian resistance nearly annihilate French

1812

Alexander II emancipates serfs, launches reforms

1861

Russia loses Russo-Japanese War; Revolution of 1905 forces Nicholas II to accept a parliament, constitution

1904

Russia enters World War I, suffers devastating defeats from Germany and Austria, morale collapses; revolution erupts

1914 - 1917