History of Russia Part 2: Birth of a European Power

Epic History TV • Season 2 • Episode 6

About this episode

Here’s a condensed version under 1000 characters: Russia, emerging from the Time of Troubles, is liberated from Polish forces by Prince Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin. The Zemsky Sobor elects 16-year-old Mikhail Romanov as Tsar, starting the Romanov dynasty. Under the Romanovs, all peasants become serfs, and Patriarch Nikon's reforms split the Russian Orthodox Church. The Thirteen Years War (1654–67) brings Smolensk and Kiev under Russian control, while Stenka Razin leads a rebellion. In 1689, Peter the Great takes power, modernizes Russia, builds a navy, and reforms government, industry, and education. He wins major victories against the Ottomans and Sweden, including the famous Battle of Poltava. Later, Empress Anna sponsors Bering’s exploration of Alaska, and Empress Elizabeth leads Russia to victory in the Seven Years War. Catherine the Great seizes power after overthrowing her husband Peter III, expanding Russia and cementing her legacy.