Domestic policy of Ivan the Terrible

The external and internal policy of Ivan the Terrible is characterized as very progressive. As is known, at that time Russia was in the conditions of constant battles with Lithuania and Poland. In addition, inside the country, from time to time, there were popular unrest and uprisings. The state needed a strong army. In 1550 the Streletsky army was formed . It was a powerful force supporting the power of the state. The First Military Statute was issued in 1556. As a result of the military reform, at the end of the 16th century the Russian army numbered more than 100,000 soldiers. The transformations of Ivan the Terrible greatly strengthened the military position of the state.

The foreign policy of Ivan the Terrible was carried out in three main directions. First of all, the tsar fought for the way to the Baltic Sea in the west. In the East there was a struggle with the Astrakhan and Kazan khanates. In the south, Ivan the Terrible defended the borders and defended the Russian territory from the invasion of the Crimean Tatars.

Tsar in 1552 was taken by Kazan. This event was of great importance in the history of the state. From that time the Kazan Khans stopped raiding the Russian land. Thousands of Russians were freed from captivity. In 1556, the Astrakhan Khanate was taken. As a result of these and subsequent conquests, Ivan the Terrible was able to firmly consolidate in the Volga region, the active development of Siberia began.

It should be noted that the king did not solve the main task in the western direction. After engaging in a lengthy Livonian War, Ivan the Terrible was never able to open Russia's way to the Baltic Sea.

Domestic policy of Ivan the Terrible was mainly aimed at enslaving the peasants, strengthening the apparatus of power. To suppress the resistance of the boyars, undermine the economic foundations of this estate, a system of measures was undertaken. Internal policy of Ivan the Terrible presupposed the division of the state into a zemstvo, headed by the Boyar Duma, and the oprichnina, ruled by the Tsar himself. The latter significantly weakened the role of the boyars, eradicating the survivals of feudalism. In general, oprichnina had a positive value. However, the methods used by the oprichnin army contributed to the destruction of the state's economy, as they were accompanied by ruin and atrocities. Thus, with the growth of prices, the production of goods and products declined, and in the 16th century (in the second half), Russia experienced a profound economic decline.

The elected Rada - the new government was formed. Subsequently, with her participation, the entire internal policy of Ivan the Terrible will be carried out.

The tsar introduced changes in the central organs of the state apparatus. Orders were created - new government bodies. Each such Order had its own specialization, in their jurisdiction were the courts, tax collection, law enforcement and other activities.

Domestic policy of Ivan the Terrible was also aimed at transforming the judicial sphere. So, in 1550 the New Code of Law was published. It established responsibility for bribery, reflected changes in the tax system.

Local self-government also needed reforms. In 1556, the tsar abolished the system of feeding. In general, changes in local self-government contributed to the inflow of additional funds into the treasury of the country. At the same time, the position of the nobles was strengthened.

During the reign of John 4 Vasilievich, the church was transformed. As a result of the reforms, canons and religious rites were unified. At the same time, monastic land ownership was also limited.

As a result of the reforms carried out during the reign of Ivan the Terrible, the state became more centralized in the state, the system of local and central government became more effective. In addition, the military power of Russia has increased. However, along with this, the peasant population became enslaved.