Chapter 29 Big Picture Questions

  1. What was so terrible about Ivan the Terrible? What were some of the developments under his reign, and why did they engender so much controversy? Thinking about his efforts and the changes that took place, is it really justifiable to call him "Ivan the Terrible"? How was Russia different after he took over and what results lasted?
  2. This chapter talks a good deal about the influence of the West on Russia, especially under the reign of Peter I. Examine the "westernization" of Russia under Peter the Great. In what practical ways did the developments in the West impact Russia? How did this movement transform Russia? How success was it?
  3. What is a serf and how does the institution of serfdomchange during this period? Why is it so important to the Russian empire?