A Tsardom of Russia SPICE-T Chart for AP World History

Are you studying for a test in your AP World History class? Are you reviewing for the actual AP World History Test? Either way, you need this basic information about the Mughal Empire. It is organized in a SPICE-T Chart to make it easy to categorize the information in your brain. Read the Google Slides to get an overview of the Tsardom of Russia. Want more detailed information about the Tsardom of Russia? You need to check out our Tsardom of Russia Google Slides!

Social

1. Russian society was largely hierarchical, with a dominant aristocracy and a vast population of serfs.

2. The Russian Orthodox Church played a significant role in shaping social values and norms.

3. Traditional communal living (mir) was common among peasants.

4. The emperor was called a tsar or tzar.

   
   

Political

1. The Tsardom of Russia was an autocracy, with the tsar holding absolute power and often ruling with the support of the boyars. This could also be called an absolute monarchy.

2. Ivan the Great was not a tsar of Russia, but he helped get the Mongols out of Russia before the tsardom began.

3. Ivan the Terrible established the Oprichnina, a secret police force. He wanted to minimize the power of the boyars.

4. Peter the Great made changes to westernize Russia.

   
   

Interactions with the Environment

1. Russia’s vast geographical expanse meant a variety of natural resources and climates.

2. During the Tsardom of Russia, Russia’s borders increased dramatically.

3. Land expansion and colonization eastward into Siberia were significant interactions with the environment.

4. Agricultural practices and trade with Europe played a role in the economy.

5. Russia was isolated from other countries.

   
   

Culture

1. Russian culture was influenced by Byzantine and Orthodox Christian traditions. The state religion was Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

2. Iconography and religious art were central to cultural expression.

3. The Russian language, literature, and folklore were key elements of cultural identity.

4. The Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral are two examples of Russian architecture.

5. As Peter the Great westernized Russia, men shaved their beards and they started dressing like Europeans.

   
   

Economics

1. The Russian economy was primarily agrarian, with agriculture and serfdom at its core.

2. The fur trade, particularly in Siberia, was a major economic activity.

3. The Tsardom sought to establish trade links with Western Europe.

4. When Peter the Great moved the capital to Saint Petersburg, trade increased because it was a seaport.

   
   

Technology

1. The Russians made advancements in military technology, including firearms and the production of gunpowder.

2. Architectural achievements like the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral were notable.

3. Printing and education saw developments under Peter the Great.

4. Peter the Great also developed Russia’s navy.

   
   

People to Know

1. Ivan III (Ivan the Great)

2. Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible)

3. Peter the Great

   
   

Dates to Know

1. 1465 – 1502: Ivan the Great

2. 1533 – 1547: Ivan the Terrible

3. 1613: Romanov Dynasty Begins

4. 1682 – 1725: Peter the Great

The Tsardom of Russia

Changing Social Hierarchies

Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections

AP World History