Legacy of Ivan the Terrible free essay sample

In the centuries following Ivans death, historians developed different theories to better understand his reign, but independent of the perspective through which one chooses to approach this, it cannot be denied that Ivan the Terrible changed Russian history and continues to live on in popular imagination. His political legacy completely altered the Russian governmental structure; his economic policies ultimately contributed to the end of the Rurik Dynasty, and his social legacy lives on in unexpected places. Arguably Ivans most important legacy can be found in the political changes he enacted in Russia. In the words of historian Alexander Yanov, Ivan the Terrible and the origins of the modern Russian political structure [are] indissolubly connected. [16] At the core of this political revolution stands the newly adopted title of Tsar. By being crowned Tsar, Ivan was sending a message to the world and to Russia: he was now the one and only supreme ruler, and his will was not to be questioned. We will write a custom essay sample on Legacy of Ivan the Terrible or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The new title symbolized an assumption of powers equivalent and parallel to those held by former Byzantine caesar and the Tatar khan, both known in Russian sources as Czar. In an effort to revive Russia nationalist pride, Ivan the Terribles image became closely associated with Joseph Stalin. [30] Ivans political revolution not only consolidated the position of Tsar, but also created a centralized government structure with ramifications extending to local government. The assumption and active propaganda of the title of Czar, transgressions and sudden changes in policy during the Oprichnina contributed to the image of the Muscovite prince as a ruler accountable only to God. [22] Subsequent Russian rulers inherited a system put in place by Ivan.