History of Russia Concise Information

To understand the culture and spirit of any nation, one should know the history of  the country. Travel Russia and you'll see that this country has a great history!

Putting down Russian history is difficult, but it is possible to determine the most important dates. The first mentioning about Russia dates back to the 9th century. It's connected more with Kievan Rus'. It was not exactly a unified state, but collection of cities that gradually formed a state.

In the 14th century, Moscow became one of the most important cultural centers.

Ivan the Terrible is a personality that defined the 16th century. Actually, they say, that he wasn't terrible at the beginning of his reigning, but then his character spoiled and he was cruel towards the boyars, took away their land and got rid of people who he didn't like. In 1581, he even killed his son. This episode found its reflection in many pieces of art.

After Ivan the Terrible, the Romanovs were glad to keep the power in Russia, but their deeds didn't improve the situation in the country.

It is Peter the Great who decided to revolutionize the whole system. He tried to make Russia a European country. Now it's a challenge to say whether his actions were right or wrong. Of course, he improved military system and Russian administrative structure, but the reforms were made due to peasants' destitution.

The second half of the 18th century is the epoch of Catherine the Great. She continued the reforms of Peter the Great. Her skills to negotiate made Russia a strong country. Her opinion was important in European society. She was also an art patron. The Hermitage Museum (see Saint-Petersburg) appeared due to her efforts. She founded numerous journals and libraries, and collected famous encyclopedias of that time (more about art in Russia). One can still feel her influence in Russia.

1812 - fight with Napoleon and victory. It was the next step in the establishment of Russia as a powerful state.

1861 - serfdom went out of law.

1914 - the beginning of World War I. It led to downfall of royal dynasty in 1917.

More than 70 years Russia was a part of the Soviet Union. The Bolshewiki or the Communists were the new power. Travel Russia and you'll see their influence everywhere in spite of the fact that Russia's been an independent country since 1991. Its new name is the Russian Federation.

Travel Russia and enjoy yourself!