The Russian EmpireRussia

*The world’s largest nation- geographically*Located in both Europe and Asia*Mongols from eastern Asia conquered Russia in the 13th century and ruled it for almost 200 years. *Moscow was the most important city at this time*Czar- emperor of modern Russia

Ivan the Terrible• In 1547, a 16 year old leader in Moscow was crowned the first czar• Official name was Ivan IV, but his nickname was Ivan the Terrible • He was known for his cruelty, especially toward those he viewed as Russian’s enemies• During his 37 year rule, the country was constantly at war• During his rule, Russia had an Autocratic government•The single ruler holds all the power and the people have now say in how the country is run

Peter the Great• Ruled Russia from 1682-1725• Built a port city called St. Petersburg• St. Petersburg was the “window to the west” and

Russia’s new capital• He wanted closer ties with Western Europe• During his rule, Peter reformed the army, government,

and schools • He even ordered Russians to dress like Europeans and

shave off their beards• This made Russia stronger, but it did not improve the life

for Russian peasants

Catherine the Great• Ruled Russia from 1762-1796• Added new lands to Russia• She also borrowed many ideas from Western

Europe• She started new schools and encouraged art,

science, and literature• During her reign, Russia became one of Europe’s

most powerful nations • The lives of peasants remained miserable- when

they rebelled in the 1770s, she crushed their uprising

Bloody Sunday

Nicholas II• A quite and shy man• Ruled Russia and didn’t want war• 1914~ World War I began and he failed to keep his

country out of battle • Russia allied itself with United Kingdom and France

but suffered terrible losses fighting Germany and its allies.

• During WWI, there were food shortages and the workers went on strike.

• The Russian army turned against their ruler, and in 1917, Nicholas was forced to give up power.

Russian Revolution• The overturning of the Russian Monarch–Nicholas II and his family were

imprisoned by the revolutionaries–On July 17, 1918~ they were all shot to

death- ending nearly 400 years of czarist rule

Nationalism- strong pride in one’s nation or ethnic group

Ethnic Group –includes people with similar languages and traditions, but who are not necessarily ruled by common government

Constitutional Monarchy – when a country has a King or Queen & an elected official (president or prime minister) and the people can vote on some issues

Militarism–The policy of glorifying military power

and keeping an army prepared for war–Having a large and strong standing

army made the citizens feel patriotic BUT it also frightened some people

Dual Monarchy

–dual monarchy•Where one ruler governs 2 nations–Ex: Austria-Hungary

Two SidesTriple Alliance - a.k.a. -The Central Powers• Germany• Austria-Hungary• Ottoman Empire

(Turkey)• Italy (switch sides in

1915)

Triple Entente – a.k.a. The Allied Powers•Russia•France•United Kingdom•Italy (came in 1915)•Belgium•Serbia•United States (joined 1917)

Austria-Hungary

– The largest empire in Eastern Europe in 1900– This empire was a dual monarchy– In 1900, Austria-Hungary included present-

day Romania, Czech Republic and portions of Poland.

“Powder Keg” of Europe

• The Balkins were known as the Powder Keg of Europe– It was a mountainous peninsula in the

southeastern corner of Europe and home to an assortment of ethnic groups. It had a VERY long history of nationalist uprisings and ethnic clashes in the area.

A vow to crush…

• By 1914, tensions in the Balkan region were once again on the rise. Serbia had emerged victorious from several local conflicts. As a result, the nation had gained additional territory and a new confidence. It was more eager than ever to take Bosnia & Herzegovina away from Austria. In response, Austria-Hungary vowed to crush any Serbian effort to undermine its authority in the Balkans.

Europe at War

• The “Spark” that started World War I– June 28, 1914 ~ Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina• Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie,

were murdered as they were driven through a parade in Sarajevo• They were killed by 19 year old, Gavrilo Princip,

a member of the Black Hand society, jumped on their car and fired 2 shots.

The Machinery of War is set into Motion…

• Because Princip was a Serbian, Austria decided to use the murders as an excuse to punish Serbia.

• Kaiser Wilhelm II offered Austria-Hungary Germany’s full support

The Machinery of War is set into Motion…

• July 23- Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with an ultimatum.. – Demands included an end to all anti-Austrian

activity, and Serbian leaders would have to allow Austrian officials into their country to conduct investigations into the assassinations.

– Serbia knew that refusing the ultimatum would result in war

• Serbia agreed to most of the demands but wanted to negotiate but Austria would not.

• July 28- Austria rejected Serbia’s offer and declared war on Serbia

• That same day, Serbia’s ally, Russia, ordered the mobilization of troops toward the Austrian border.

• Everyone urged Serbia & Austria-Hungary to negotiate, but it was too late- The machinery of war had been set in action…

Beginning of World War I

Because of the murder of Archduke Ferdinand, the emperor of Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

Russia sent troops to defend Serbia because they share a similar ethnic background (they are both Slavic people)

Germany then declared war on Russia