Ivan the Red. Years of the reign of Ivan II the Red

Ivan Ivanovich Krasny, or Ivan 2, was one of the representatives of the family of the Grand Dukes. He was born in Moscow on March 30, 1326. He was the second son of Ivan Kalita and Princess Helena, the first wife of the tsar. His nickname Ivan the Red received, according to one annals, because of his exceptional beauty. According to another version, because his birthday fell on the religious holiday Fomino Sunday or as it is also called the Red Hill.

Right to reign

In 1340, Ivan 1 Kalita died, but a year before his death he, along with his elder sons Simeon and Ivan, went to the khan to the Horde. The tsar wanted to get the first label for governing the state precisely for the Moscow house, since at that time the Tver principality was revived, at the head of which the strong ruler Alexander Mikhailovich was put. He was the one who competed with Ivan Kalita's eldest son and also claimed the supreme power. As a result, Simeon received a label for the grand reign and after the death of his father began to rule the state.

The Prince of Zvenigorod

The second son of Kalita, Ivan the Red, according to his father's will, received control over 23 towns and villages, the main of which were Ruza and Zvenigorod. In addition, in his management there was also a third of Moscow, which came into joint possession of the three brothers. Thus, Ivan Ivanovich Krasny received the title of Zvenigorod prince.

When his father died, he was 14 years old. In those days he was considered an almost adult man. Even then, the young prince was not perceived as an independent politician. Ivan always remained in the shadow of the activities of his brother Simeon the Proud and had no special talents.

A vivid example of this statement is the following fact. In 1348, Swedish King Magnus 2 suddenly invaded the territory of Novgorod's land with his army. Simeon Proud sent his brother Ivan to help his neighbors, but he was frightened of clashing with the enemy's army and hurried back to Moscow. By that time, the Swedes had managed to capture the fortress of Oreshek and capture about ten noble persons. As a result, the Novgorodians had to cope with their enemy, and Ivan the Red did not gain military glory.

Grand Duke

In 1353, an epidemic of plague broke out in Moscow, which claimed many human lives. She did not spare the family of Simeon the Proud. After his death, the younger brother Ivan Red unexpectedly got himself the title of Grand Duke. He was completely unprepared for this, because he was not able to effectively manage the state.

This time the Horde did not intervene in the current situation. At that time, the Uzbek Khan died, so the rulers changed so fast that they did not have enough time or energy to get involved in the affairs of Russian principalities. It should be noted that few wanted to see Ivan as their ruler. Specific princes all the time wove intrigues in order to prevent the power of Ivan 2. But nevertheless, all their machinations were not successful.

Board Time

Ivan 2 Red will hold on to power only 6 years. According to historians, he was the most faceless representative of all the princes of the Kalitic family who had ever occupied the throne. Most likely, Ivan 2 himself understood that he must act decisively and continue the policy that his father and elder brother did, but he could not do anything.

The weakness of the new Grand Duke manifested itself almost immediately. Multiple attacks on his land began. The Ryazan prince managed to capture Lopasnyu, located between Moscow and Serpukhov. Lithuanians, in turn, led the troops to Mozhaisk, and also imposed on Kiev their metropolitan. Novgorodians in the Horde began to weave intrigues against Ivan 2 and in his place to proclaim his protege - Prince Constantine of Suzdal. And to top it off, inside Moscow, internal boyar internecine strife began, and there was a fire.

All these circumstances could in no way contribute to strengthening the power of Ivan 2. Most likely, he could not keep the reins of government in his hands, since weakness in those times was an unacceptable luxury, if not for two factors. The first - the support of the Moscow boyars, who did not want to part with their privileges, the second - the church.

History knows many examples, when a stronger figure rises behind the weak personality of the ruler. In this case, she became the then head of the Orthodox Church, possessing an exceptional mind, remarkable diplomacy and a firm will, Metropolitan Alexy. It was thanks to his support that Ivan 2 Red managed to retain his title of Grand Duke of Moscow until his death in 1359.

Results

Many historians tend to believe that the reign of Ivan the Red did not bring Moscow Russia anything, except for the relaxation of its influence on neighboring principalities. The only merit of this prince is the annexation of the Kostroma and Dmitrov lands to Moscow. He is also known for being the father of Dmitry Donskoy - the great Russian commander who won the Kulikovo battle.