Ivan the terrible
Ivan the terribleThe Terrible Greatness Of Ivan the IV
The era of Ivan the IV is one that triggers some of the most horrific nightmares to surface. It was a reign that spread a blanket of terror throughout Russia as Ivan the IV took his role as the first tsar to be bloody and tyrannical. Claims of pathological elements in his character cannot be denied as many lives were doomed to the fate of unnecessary death and suffering. Nevertheless, Ivan the IV established a solid foundation that would shape Russia�s future. One aspect of his accomplishments lies in the depths of establishing links with the outside world. Ivan IV�s strong desires to open the doors into the sphere of foreign policy launched Russia into future prosperity thus dimming the harsh lights that condemn him to madness.
The many years of Russia�s attention being spent on wars brought upon an advantage to Ivan IV. The aspect of conquering for the satisfaction of occupying the most territory was secondary to the goal of opening links to the outside world. Good came out of the bloody and ferocious battles as Ivan IV was able to conquer lands that were essential for their location. Ivan IV had the challenge of facing three main Tartar enemies of Russia- Kazan, Astrakhan and Crimea. Ivan IV emerged victoriously as he established rule over Kazan and Astrakhan. The locations of these territories lied by a great source that enables communication and is essential for transportation and commerce. It is the Volga River that Ivan IV was able to obtain control over thus providing a step forward to the foreign world.
Energy and human spirit were drained once again when Russia waged another major war against the Livonian Order. Such a war was brought upon Ivan IV�s preference to pursue a policy of westward expansion thus invading the Livonian Order who controlled the Baltic coast. The war lasted from 1558 to 1583 and ultimately only a small...
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