Russia: 3. Tsardom of Muscovy (1547–1721)

Abstract

From 1547 to 1721 the Slavic princes of the Pontic steppe consolidated their princedom into a state that conquered or incorporated surrounding principalities and emerged as a powerful land empire. In this period the principality of Muscovy endured virtual state collapse in the Time of Troubles (1598–1613), yet succeeded in extending authority through a system of administrative eclecticism or “separate deals” with its constituents, integrating into the expanding world economy, and beginning to modernize such that it emerged as one of the most powerful European empires in the 18th and 19th centuries. By the time of Peter the Great, Russia had already expanded into the Far East and Central Asia, developing important trade links. Under Peter, the empire also turned westwards, both literally and culturally.