Timothy Snyder: The Making of Modern Ukraine. Class 7. Rise of Muscovite Power

TL;DR

Muscovite power originated from the Mongol conquest of Rus', leading to the establishment of Moscow as the center of a new state. Moscow expanded territorially in Europe and Asia, becoming an empire.

Transcript

(bright thoughtful music) (scenes scratching) - Okay, greetings everybody, happy Tuesday. This is a lecture that I was not expecting to give. This was going to be Paul Bushkovitch's guest lecture, but as you see, I'm gonna give it. It's about the origins of the Muscovite state and Muscovite power. The way things are are gonna work the rest of the w... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Muscovy's power originated from its ability to collect tribute for the Mongol overlords, establishing Moscow as a central power.
• 👻 Its territorial expansion in Europe and Asia, particularly the defeat of the Khanate of Kazan, allowed for the incorporation of diverse territories and peoples into Muscovy.
• 💍 Muscovy engaged in global trade, participating in the European age of discovery and establishing trade routes with China.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the Mongol conquest of Rus' influence the origins of Muscovite power?

The Mongol conquest of Rus' allowed Moscow to establish itself as a central power by being able to collect tribute for the Mongol overlords. This gave Moscow a position of significance and allowed it to gradually expand its control.

Q: What are the main territorial expansions of Muscovy?

Muscovy expanded territorially in two main directions. First, it expanded westward by incorporating other Orthodox cities, such as Novgorod, under its control. Second, it expanded southward by defeating the Khanate of Kazan, leading to the opening of territories in Siberia and the Pacific Ocean.

Q: How did Muscovite power become connected to global trade?

Muscovy's expansion into Siberia and the Pacific Ocean allowed it to engage in trade with Europe and China. It became part of the European age of discovery and established trade routes for valuable furs with China, contributing to its economic growth.

Q: How did the system of Muscovy differ from European feudalism?

The system in Muscovy was based on the tsar's ownership of all land, and landowners were granted control over land in exchange for military service. There was no formal nobility or property rights, and the peasantry was bound to the land as serfs. This system lacked feudal rights and had a stronger focus on military service.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The lecture discusses the origins and expansion of Muscovite power, highlighting its connection to the Mongol conquest of Rus'.

• Muscovite power emerged through its ability to collect tribute for the Mongol overlords, and gradually expanded its control over other Orthodox cities in Western Russia.

• Under Ivan IV, Muscovy expanded south by conquering the Khanate of Kazan, leading to the opening of territories in Siberia and the Pacific Ocean.

• With global trade connections, Muscovy became an empire, ruling over diverse groups of people and engaging in trade with Europe and China.