Council created in 1726 by Catherine I as a means of offsetting the power of her successors. The council had equal governing authority to that of that emperor in all matters that weren’t dealing with succession. It was significant because it was the actual ruling body of Russia from 1726-1730. It also made Anna Ivanovna empress.

Born 1681. Author of spiritual regulation in the reforms to the Russian Orthodox. Developed  the church into a more eloquent, intelligent religion. Worked with Peter the great to enhance the Church’s sermons and religious teaching from the traditional past. His significance lies in the development of the church from its cultural roots into its more modern eloquent and intelligent state.

Feudal Hierarchical system that was enabled from the 15^th to the 17^th centuries. It made the boyar with the longer noble lineage automatically entitled to the higher government and military post. It is significant because it created a lot of fighting between leaders over who had a longer lineage and often allotted for the less talented and skillful leader to be in the charge. It was eliminated because the Russian army needed the brightest leaders to compete and the system was outdated.

Treaty signed in 1774 after the end of the first Russo-Turkish Wars. It gave Russia access to the Turkish waters as well as access to the Turkish courts. It was significant because it led to the eventual annexing of Crimea by Russia and it also led to the Russian’s feeling like they were the protectors of Christianity in the Ottoman empire.

Was a scientist and a Poet who was born in the early 18^th century.  His significant discoveries were the theoretical existence of Antarctica, the atmosphere of Venus, the Melting point of Mercury, as well as the development of an new grammatical style that combined Old Slavic and a more modern vernacular.

Successor to Catherine II. He was given the throne despite rumors that Catherine wanted the throne to be given to her grandson, Alexander. His reign was short lived and ended with him being assassinated. His significance lies in his weakness and unpredictability as a leader. He stopped the Russian campaign in Prussia and sent troops to aid in the war against Napoleon. His reign also marked the beginning of a foreign relations collapse with England.

Series of regulations put on by Peter the Great in 1720 to limit and control the authority of the Orthodox Church. The regulations were a series of bylaws that controlled the function of the church until the end of the Russian Empire in 1917. The church was weak from the schism of the Old Belivers and found no spokesperson to stand up for their rights. They were significant because they controlled the church’s place in society and make it a subservient to the state.

Was a prominent leader in Russia during WWII and was granted the role of Russian ambassador to the USA in 1946 and reigned for 1 year. He is significant because of his telegram to Stalin documented the USA’s intent to invade Russia.

The Instruction of Catherine the Great. It was a series of laws implemented in 1767 that updated the muscovite code of laws.  It made all men equal before the law and disapproved of the death penalty and of torture. It was significant because it created a series of Russian laws that permeated with the ideas of the French enlightenment and because it’s mention of serfdom was blurry at best. It was a start for debate among intellectuals and was a fuel for the Russian Enlightenment, but failed to be followed in most places as it failed to be dispersed outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Wife of Peter the Great. Ruled for 2 years after his death until her death in 1727. She was significant because she was the first woman ruler of Russia, leading to a century of predominant woman rule. She was also significant because she cut back military spending at the expense of the peasants and was viewed as a just and fair ruler. She reign was short and cautious, but developed the landscape for which Russia would build on for the remainder of the century.

Husband of Catherine II who ruled for 6 months in 1762. He was overthrown and killed by Catherine because she feared he would eliminate her to be with his lover. His rule was fairly insignificant, but was documented by the change of Russian economic policies towards that of the west. More mercantile and capitalist views took the place of the communal views that were previously held.

A 1787 secret agreement between Catherine the Great and Austria that called for the dividing of Turkey between the two powers. It was going to give some land to each nation, and in the event that the Turks were expelled from Europe, the Byzantine empire would be restored until the reign of Catherine’s grandson, Constantine.

Bironovshchina

Era of Biron: often, nationalist call Anna’s entire rule “Bironovshchina” because of his dominant role. This haughty, cruel man established the Secret Chancellery, which arrested many highly placed dignitaries. In his reign of terror many were execute and more than 20,000 were sent to Siberia, often without trial or the empress’s knowledge. This represented a restoration of Peter’s secret police (the Preobrazhensky board). Executions, favoritism, and abuse of power. Terror against noblemen designed to silence opponents of autocracy.

The German Quarter was a part of Moscow typically inhabited by hard working craftsmen and flour mill workers of European descent. They were typically referred to as Germans. The area gained new importance as a primary area of trade and was frequented by Peter the Great. It’s ethnic diversity decreased after the Fire of 1812. It slowly lost touch with its diverse past and the rebuilding of Lutheran churches never occurred.

Patriarch Nikon wanted to implement reforms which would make the Russian more similar to the Greek church. He was greatly opposed by the Zealots of Piety, who claimed that the reason Russian practice was different from Greek was because Moscow was the Third Rome – the last center of true Orthodoxy.  A church council convened in 1666, which accepted and endorsed Nikon’s reforms. Not conforming to the reforms was an offense.( The struggle between church and state was settled in favor for the state. The church then fell under even greater state control)

The concept that began after the fall of Constantinople that Moscow was the new center of the Christian faith. Fueled by the belief that Moscow was the successor of Rome and Constantinople, it was a common theory that was widely adopted by Russians.

Early 18^th Century. Introduced a series of reforms in the church. Believed the Russian church had strayed from the Greek original. Changes he introduced: spelling of key words, cross with three fingers instead of two, etc. These changes were greatly opposed among clergy and faithful – they considered his changes arbitrary and needless, and wanted to maintain Russian tradition. However, later the church council adopted his reforms. Those who did not accept these reforms were called schismatics.

Cossacks

Group of people who occupied the region of Ukraine and Western borders of Russia. Led an unsuccessful but large revolt against Catherine the great. Was one of the centers of the Anti-Bolshevik White movement during the Russian Revolution.

Right of each member of the Polish Parliament to automatically veto any legislation by simply saying “I do not allow.”

Book published by Radishchev in 1790 that documents society of the time. Though no revolutionary, the book was banned because it showed the ill treatment of serfs and the power given to the nobility. It also touches on the ideas of freedom and liberty. It is significant because of its place in historical context, demonstrating the great injustices of the time and the inequality of Russian society.

Title created by Peter the Great to make one person in charge of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthdox Church. Its title was significant because it provided greater control of the church for Peter and was a win for Peter in the battle between church and state.

Seven Years War

War between Great Britain and Prussia against Russia, France, Austria, Sweden, and Saxony. Russia changed sided in the war under Peter III but upon the rise of Catherine the Great reentered the war against Prussia and led to its defeat and the signing of the Treaty of Paris. 1756-1763.

Most powerful members of the prince’s court. They were often rich but survived off the money of the treasury. They were extremely important in the cultural improvement of Russia and went on the decline when the serfs were emancipated in 1861.

Battle between Russia and Sweden in the early 18^th century that was an overwhelming Russian victory. It was a decisive battle in the Great Northern War. It was significant because it started the demise of the Swedish empire, was the beginning of the Russian empire, and it eliminated any hope for Ukraine to gain its independence.

The late 18^th century love of all things French. The Russian cultural elites adoption of French dress and culture that altered the cultural landscape of Russia.

Ranking system developed by Peter the Great that divided all civil, military, or statesmen into 14 grades. If you had a grade, you had personal nobility.  Higher than an 8^th grade gave one hereditary nobility. 1-5 got direct correspondence with the emperor. It was based on merit and not heredity and was determined by the Tsar.

Meeting by Alexander I and his “young friends” to discuss many ambitious reforms. The major thing discussed was the peasant question and other relative reforms.

Upon the Emancipation of the serfs in 1861, the government bought the land from the nobles and gave it to the serfs. The serfs were then obliged to pay the government back for the land plus interest. Often the payments were higher than what the rental cost of the land would have been. The payments were never officially regarded by the serfs and were mainly a nuisance. In 1905, the system of redemption payments was eliminated.

Creation of Alexander I to lessen the cost of having a standing army. The soldiers were allowed to farm and have families, in which they were obliged to have a child every year. The Military colonies were always a breeding ground for revolts and were short lived.

Russian public official and Chief advisor to Alexander I. He worked to draft a constitution, worked to form an income tax on the nobles, and worked to make promotions based on merit. He was disliked by the nobles and was accused of aiding the French during the Napoleanic War and was exiled. He returned but never gained his influence back. He helped Nicholas I in the codification of Russian Law.

Was a censorship free newspaper that was published in London and Geneva from 1857-1867 and distributed in Russia. It was in support of the Emancipation of the serfs, the abolition of corporal punishment, and the abolition of censorship. It was pro-revolutionary democracy and thus against liberalism.  

Treaty signed in 1833 between the Ottoman Empire and Russia that promised that either country would come to the aid of the other in the event that they were attacked. A secret article exempted the Ottomans from having to send troops and rather obliged them to close to Dardanelles to any warships that weren’t Russian.

Russian Revolutionary and ideologue of the Decemberists. He was educated abroad and after a successful military career looked to join the north and south decemberists and to united them with a polish uprising. He was hung with four other Decemberists after the end of the decemberist revolts in 1825.

Treaty Signed in 1807 between Tsar Alexander I of Russia and Napoleon I of France that provided peace between the two nations and ruled the majority of Europe powerless. It was viewed as a disgrace to both Russia and Prussia and it broke down when neutral ships were allowed to land in Russian ports. It officially was broken when Napoleon attacked Russia in 1812.

Group that was formed in 1879 as the more violet group of the split of Land and Liberty. It attempted to kill the tsar multiple times until it succeeded in 1881. It was looking for free elections and an end to censorship.

Issued in 1905 by Tsar Nicholas II as an attempt to grant the people many freedoms including freedom of speech and religion and the ability to have free elections and universal male suffrage. It was implemented but had little if any effect because the tsar maintained his authority to veto, which he took full advantage of. However, it was the outline of a first Russian constitution.

Founder of the Social-Democratic Party in Russia and a great Marxist thinker. He spent his time in Switzerland up until the revolution until his return after the revolution of 1917. He was against Lenin and the Bolsheviks but was held in high esteem by them after his death. He was significant because he founded the SD party and because his Marxist theory viewed Marxism as materialistic and he argued that Russia would have to be capitalist before it could be socialist.

Alliance signed in 1815 after the defeat of Napoleon which joined Prussia, Austria, and Russia to control the peace of Europe. Often called the Quadruple or Quintuple Alliance, it was made with the intention of controlling rebellions after the successful French Revolution. It was anti democracy, anti revolution, and anti secularism. It became defunct with the Death of Alexander in 1825.

Scholar and statesman in early to mid 19^th century who was most well known for coining the term “Orthodoxy, Autocracy, Nationality.” He was a dedicated conservative who worked to make education only for the nobles. His major significance could be found in him laying the foundation for high quality education in Russia and reinstating the practice of sending Russian scientists abroad.

Treaty signed between the Russians and the Ottomans in 1878 following the Russo-Turkish War, 1877-1878. The Treaty created a free Christian state of Bulgaria with expanded Borders. It was ruled against by the major European powers and was altered in the treaty of Berlin. Its signing is viewed as Bulgarian independence day, but the treaty never went into effect.

What is to be done?

Pamphlet published by Lenin in 1902 which argues that in order for the working class to be converted to Marxism, the workers had to do more than argue over working hours and wages. They had to form a political party of dedicated workers and to become educated not only in the lives of workers, but in the function of society as a whole. It was significant because it was the base on which the Mensheviks and the Bolsheviks split within the Social-Democratic Party.

Populist belief among the socially conscious Russians. It was against capitalism, arguing that it was the degradation of Russian society. It was very supportive of the Russian poor, arguing that they could support themselves and that they were the foundation of Russia. It also created a divide between the intelligencia and the political theories and leaders of the time.

Russian writer during the 19^th century. Famous for his novel Oblomov and for his anti nihilist, pro religious and moral sentiment. His significance lied in his literary influence on authors such as Turgenev and the significance of his theories against nihilism.

Russian General most well known for his stand against Napoleon in the war of 1812. He was the commander of the army that fought against Napoleon in the battle of Borodino. His most significant maneuver was to allow the French to take Moscow and to retreat into the grain producing regions in the south. This forced Napoleon to chase to Russian army into the heart of Russia with a lack of supplies and ultimately led to the retreat of Napoleon to heavy loses.

Term used in the Code of Law to define Military discharges and people who worked in the lower court. They were significant because they greatly increased the urban growth in Siberia and because many of the intelligencia of the 19^th century came from this class of society.

Served as the secret police to the tsar from 1825 until its disbandment in 1880 when it was replaced with the okhrana. It served to find counterfeiters, censor theater, investigate political crimes and crimes against the regime, and other high level crimes. It was significant because it gave the tsar a means to fight back against the backlash from the intellegencia and other anti-tsarist, pro liberty movements.

Zoologist and advocate of an Anarcho-Communist society based on the voluntary association between workers. Due to his title of prince, he is often referred to as the “Anarchist Prince.” He supported a communist society free from any form of central government. He is also well known for his escape from the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Sergei Witte

Russian statesman who served 2 tsars in the industrialization of the Russia. He brilliantly negotiated terms with Japan after Russia’s loss in the Russo-Japanese War. His most significant contributions to Russian history involved his writing of the October Manifesto and his attempt to keep Russia out of WWI which went over the head of his contemporaries.

Russian Statesman who was an advisor to three tsars. He held the position of leader of the holy synod. His influence was most reactionary and anti Semitic. He is given personal credit by Dostoyevsky as being the only man who could prevent a Russian revolution. He had an extremely strong influence as an advisor and decision maker but this role was almost entirely secret. He was the man behind the closed door who had a great influence on Russian history.

Russian Orthodox priest and working class supporter until the Revolution of 1905. He was spared on Bloody Sunday and left the country. When he returned, he supported the okhrana and was suspected as a spy and killed, more than likely by his fellow Socialist-Revolutionary Party members.

Supporters of Russia’s return to its Slavic roots. It denounced the westernization of Russia that was done under the reign of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, and looked for Russia to return to the Russia of old. It was a prominent style of thinking until the emancipation of the serfs, in which Russian nationalism took its place as a popularly held ideology. Came about again in the cold war, in which people wanted to look back to the Russia of old.

Russian literary, social, and political magazine founded by Pushkin. It became a force in the development of Russian literature and many great writers became famous by putting their works in it. It became overshadowed by the harsh censorship during the reign of Nicholas I.

Russian statesman and political leader who was most well known for his foreign affairs. Was the Chancellor of Russia during the middle to late 19^th century and is most well known for having a tense relationship with Otto von Bismarck and for his love of applause. Despite this character flaw, he was extremely intelligent and his foreign affairs ideas were thought out and extremely well conceived. He also assisted Alexander II in his internal affairs.

Series of emergency regulations that could be enforced to up the security. They were imposed after the assassination of Alexander II by tsar Alexander III. Reinforced security allowed for the arrest of anyone along with other power being given to the police to keep chaos from taking place. Extraordinary security had to be approved by the tsar, but allowed the shutting down or dismissal of the zemtrvo, as well as the shutting down of Universities and other bodies. It was significant because it showed once again that Russia was not a country based on the law. Existed from 1881-1917.

Novel by Feodor Dostoyevsky published in 1872 that addressed Russian life during the later part of the 19^th century. It was an anti-left novel that demonstrated that the utopian and utilitarian ideas were unrealistic and unobtainable.  The novel showed the different political ideologies colliding in 19^th century Russia and the mass chaos that followed.

Movement in the mid 19^th century aimed at the unity of all Slavic people. It was most significant in its use by Russia and later the Soviet Union to gather control of the region. Between 1945 and 1948, this was achieved and the USSR controlled the majority of the Slavic world.

Form of Local government instituted in the Great Reforms of Alexander II. It allowed for all people to have some say in the government, although a vast majority of Zemstrvo members were nobles. It was significant as the first step in creating a system in which the people have a say in the way the government was run.

Naval battle fought between Russia and Japan in 1904. It started with a surprise attack on the Russian fleet that was kept in Port Arthur, Manchuria. Despite neither side taking any losses in terms of losing ships, it was the trigger for the Russo-Japanese War. The loses on that day and the ensuing war was significant because it resulted in the Russian people losing faith in their military.

Party that was in control of the Russian political scene until the Russian Constitute assembly was shut down by the Bolsheviks. They tried for a third Russian revolution and failed and many of their leaders were exiled or executed. The remaining SR party members fought alongside to white in the Civil War.

Russian intellectual who started his life as a critic of Russia, arguing that Russia was backwards and had not contributed to society at large. He was critical of the orthodox church for being backwards and supporting isolation from the west. He was also critical of Peter the Great for bringing only the imitation of the West to Russia. Later in his life, he changed his theories, saying that backwardness may be the key to Russia’s greatness because they were able to adopt only the best things from the West. He also changed his view on Peter the Great, arguing that he had opened up Russia to the west and it was becoming more of a mainstream contributor to history.

Revolutionary thinker who noted Russian backwardness in contrast to the West, and whose main theory was that a socialist revolution could take place because of the seed the bourgeoisie planted. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he didn’t believe that Russia had to be capitalist before it could be socialist. His major works include a comparison of the major economic, political, and social movements between Russia and the west.

1861

Alexander II’s decision to free the serfs for the bondage of serfdom. Created a system of redemption payments so that the serfs would be able to acquire land. The freedom of the serfs was forced upon him by the revolutionary atmosphere that existed prior to this proclamation.

War in 1853-1856 between Russia and the French Empire, the British Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. It is noted for the first use of the telegraph and the railways for tactical purposes. Alexander II saw the defeat of Russia’s serf army by the free armies as proof that the serfs needed to be freed. It was a significant contributor to the emancipation of the serfs.

19^th Century Russia Writer whose famous works include The Idiot and Fathers and Sons. He is most famous for his western thoughts and for his animosity with Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. His book, Fathers and Sons, was not taken seriously among the critics at first, but his nihilist character Bazarov was often considered the model of the “new man” in Russia.

Group of people who led 3000+ soldiers into Senate Square in St Petersburg in protest of Nicholas I ascension to thrown after his older brother Constantine took himself out of the line to the throne. Nicholas put down the Rebellion, and had 5 members executed, including Pavel Pestel.

Kingdom of Poland signed the Organic Statue in 1832 in response to the November Uprising. It was signed by Nicholas I and united Poland and Russia to some degree. It united their armies and gave Poland some say in Russian politics.

Russian writer and critic who was a major influence in the thinking and writing of Lenin. He is often times referred to as the first Bolshevik. We was a proponent of revolution and of a party rising up to take control of the nation. He was popular among the far left wing thinkers of the mid 19^th century.

Pacifist, anti-government regulation Christian group that was founded in Russia and later many of them relocated to Canada. The group was founded in Russia, but endured great persecution due to their anti militaristic, anti secular government, anti Orthodox priest, anti icon and ritual beliefs. They were supporters of the fact that each person had an innate sense of God within them. Their significance lied in their stance against the Orthodox Church and against the government of the Russian Empire.

General who was in charge of the putting down of the November uprising in Poland and the uprising in Hungary. His most significant influence was the retention of Russian control over the lands to the west.

Stalin enacted a decree in 1931 which made there an official philosophy of Russia which would be enforced in all communist states through the Comintern. It was a combination of dialectical materialism with Marxism Leninism.

Was a form of violent mob or riot that resulted in the attacking of a specific group or religious sect. It was often done to the jews or the germans during WWI. The Armenians were also subjected to this form of genocide. This resulted in the jews being more politically active in Russia and joining the Bolshevik movement. Many jews left the country for the UK or the US as a results of the Pograms.

1889

Ruling that gave nobles the authority over peasant townships. The land captains were chosen by the Minister of the Interior and were able to appoint town elders who had the ability to arrest and fine the peasants.

Public Trials

In Durnovo's memorandum 1914, he states that a long war is imminent and that Russia is not ready for it. They would lose causing the
government to be blamed resulting in complete social revolution. Durnovo was completely right. He predicted that war would break out which it did later in 1914 with Germany. Russia then suffered heavy losses after the battle of Tannenberg 1914 and the loss of Russian Poland 1915. Then Nicholas decided to make himself commander-in-chief of the army but Russia still took heavy losses. As aresult of this, just as Durnovo predicted, the government were blamed which resulted in a complete social revolution in February1917.