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15 Facts About Ivan the Terrible That Shaped World History
Ivan the Terrible was the first tsar of all Russia. During his reign, he acquired vast amounts of land through ruthless means.
By J. C. Scull and Yutong Jiang
Russia’s expansionist approach to gaining global influence arguably began in earnest just prior to the ascension of Ivan IV Vasilyevich to the throne.
Known throughout history as Ivan the Terrible, he solidified Russia’s desire for empire building which has lasted until today with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. As his sobriquet signified, Ivan became infamous for engendering terror and fear in his subjects; as well as the ruthlessness and cruelty with which he ruled.
Ivan was born on August 25, 1530, in the Duchy of Moscow and came to power at the age of three after the death of his father Vasili III Ivanovich. He ruled as Grand Prince of Moscow with a group of reformers known as the Chosen Council until at the age of 16. In 1533, he ruled all of Russia as the first tsar until his death in 1584.
Despite the fact he revised Russia’s archaic legal code and introduced reforms such as local self-government, his rule descended into tyranny shortly after becoming tsar. He…
