In World History this week, we will look at the historical roots and the legacy of the Russian and Prussian monarchies, paying close attention to the influence of absolute rulers such as Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and Frederick the Great.
Please note this week's assignment schedule:
Wednesday 12/3 - Please watch the first part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. While viewing, please answer the following questions:
Thursday 12/4 - Please watch the second part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. While viewing, please answer the following questions:
Friday 12/5 - Please watch the third part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. While viewing, please answer the following questions:
Monday 12/8 - Please watch the fourth part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. After viewing, please write a 1-paragraph summary.
Tuesday 12/9 - Please read and take Cornell notes on 4.3 "Monarchy in England" before class begins. In addition, write approximately half of a page explaining what made Frederick II of Prussia unique in the context of eighteenth century Europe.
Please note this week's assignment schedule:
Wednesday 12/3 - Please watch the first part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. While viewing, please answer the following questions:
- Where does Vladimir believe his power as a ruler comes from?
- What does Vladimir do after visiting the city of Constantinople?
- What impact did the Mongol warriors have on the Russian armies?
- How was the city of Moscow founded?
- In 1325, what deal does Moscow’s prince, Ivan I, make with the Mongols?
- In 1380, what event does Prince Dmitri of Moscow lead? What is the outcome of this event?
- How and when does Russia gain independence from the Mongol Empire? Who is responsible for this event?
- What title does Ivan III take for himself? What does this title signify?
- What happens to Constantinople in 1453? What does this event signify for the Byzantine Emperor?
- What does Ivan III do after the Byzantine Emperor falls? Who does he take as a wife?
- How does Ivan III transform Moscow into the "third Rome?"
- How does Ivan III change life for farmers in rural areas of Russia?
- What happens after the death of Ivan III? How is Ivan IV affected by his father's death?
- Under Ivan IV, where was political power concentrated? How did boyars receive their positions?
- How does the Russian empire expand under the reign of Ivan IV?
- Why did Ivan IV construct the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (Saint Basil’s Cathedral)? What does this cathedral become a symbol of?
- Why does Ivan IV denounce his thrown? Under what conditions does Ivan IV return to the throne?
- How does Ivan IV change as a ruler when he returns to the throne? Explain.
- For nearly eight years Ivan IV waged war against his own people. How did this destruction affect Russia’s ability to defeat its enemy, the Tatars?
- How did Ivan IV contribute to the death of his beloved son?
Thursday 12/4 - Please watch the second part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. While viewing, please answer the following questions:
- What happens in Russia during the “Time of Troubles?
- How long did the Romanov dynasty rule in Russian? What was their legacy?
- What is a “serf?” Explain the origins and ramifications of “serfdom” in Moscow.
- What was the relationship between Peter the Great and his half-sister, Sophia? With his half brother, Ivan V?
- What happened the first time Russia attacked the Turks for control of Azov, a port on the Black Sea?
- What happened the second time Russia attacked the Turks for control of Azov? What does Peter the Great learn from this experience?
- Why did Peter the Great often pose as a common sailor?
- What did Peter the Great learn in Western Europe?
- Why does Peter’s “European apprenticeship” abruptly end?
- After returning to Russia, how does Peter attempt to Westernize the empire?
- What was the outcome of the first conflict between Peter the Great and Russia versus King Charles XII of Sweden?
- Explain the significance of the construction of St. Petersburg.
Friday 12/5 - Please watch the third part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. While viewing, please answer the following questions:
- How did Peter the Great's daughter, Elizabeth, seize power?
- Who did Elizabeth choose as the heir to the Russian Empire?
- What characteristics made Peter III an unfit heir to the Russian throne?
- Who becomes the wife of Peter III?
- How does Catherine the Great seize power from her husband?
- What changes does Catherine the Great make when she becomes czara?
- How does Catherine the Great further Enlightenment ideals in Russia?
- Why was human rights an explosive idea in Russia?
- Why is Catherine the Great unable to free the Russian serfs?
- What happens when Napoleon meets the Russian army in Moscow? Which side is victorious?
Monday 12/8 - Please watch the fourth part of the History Channel's "Russia, Land of the Tsars" before class begins. After viewing, please write a 1-paragraph summary.
Tuesday 12/9 - Please read and take Cornell notes on 4.3 "Monarchy in England" before class begins. In addition, write approximately half of a page explaining what made Frederick II of Prussia unique in the context of eighteenth century Europe.