Ivan The Terrible

Ivan is born

Aug 25, 1530

Ivan Chetvyorty Vasilyevich was born on August 25, 1530 in the Grand Duchy of Muscovy, Russia, to members of the Rurik dynasty. His father, Basil III, died when he was 3 years old. His mother, Elena Glinskaya, ruled as regent until her death in 1538, when Ivan was 8.
This is significant because Ivan would become the Czar of Muscovy.
(Freeze)

William the silent is born

Apr 15, 1533

He is the main leader of the Dutch revolt against the Spanish that started the Eighty Years' War. He is assassinated after Phillip II offers a reward for his death.

Ivan Enherites the throne

Aug 25, 1533

In 1547, Ivan IV was crowned tsar of Muscovy. That same year, he married Anastasia Romanovna. Ivan was raised in very harsh conditions by the nobles. This caused him to develop a hatred for them.
This is significant because Ivan sent his Oprichniki to kill the harsh nobles that raised him.(Strickler)

Council of Trent

Dec 13, 1545

Lasts until 1563. The Catholic council rejects Lutheran and Calvinist positions but does strengthen ecclesiastical discipline within its dioceses.

Phillip II of Spaine

Jul 25, 1554

The reign of Phillip II of Spain begins. During his reign, Spain is the foremost Western European power. He contributes to the 80 Years' War and launches the Spanish Armada.

Ivan succesfull in battles

Dec 5, 1556

In 1556, Ivan's armies crushed the Tartar khanates of Kazan and Astrakhan. This extended Muscovy control to the Urals in the east and the Caspian Sea in the south, creating a buffer zone against the Mongols.
This is important because Ivan advanced in his military conquest. (Horizon Magazine)

Ivan takes more control

Dec 5, 1556

In 1556, Ivan exerted control over the boyars and princes who still held private lands in Muscovy by requiring them and their personal slave soldiers to serve in the cavalry as well. He forced them into the "service class". The country's vast lower class, the peasants, also saw their lot worsened during Ivan's reign. Much of the land turned over to the military servicemen had been state land worked by free peasants.
This is important because it turned many of the countries peasants into serfs.

Queen Elizabeth I

Nov 17, 1558

The reign of Queen Elizabeth I begins. She is one of the most powerful women of the 16th century. She was a patron of art and exploration. Though she said everyone in England must join the Anglican Church, she did not persecute Catholics. She executes Mary Queen of Scotts. The defeat of the Spanish Armada occurs during her reign.

Ivan's Rage

Oct 12, 1560

Upon the death of his first wife in 1560, Ivan IV went into a deep depression and his behavior became more erratic. He left Moscow suddenly and threatened to abdicate the throne. Leaderless, the Muscovites pleaded for his return. He agreed, but on the condition that he be granted absolute power of the region surrounding Moscow. (Strickler 21)
This important because during Ivan’s rage he became to be the rutheless leader he is known as.

Ivans reign of terror

Period: Oct 12, 1560 to Mar 18, 1584

Over the next 24 years, Ivan IV conducted a reign of terror, displacing and destroying the major boyar families in the region. He assembled a police squad of 6,000 men as his personal police force known as the Oprichniki. Laws did not apply to the Oprichniki.
This is important because the Oprichnki ruthlessly killed anyone that Ivan wanted to be killed.

80 years war

Jan 1, 1568

Calvinism spreads in the Netherlands, prompting the sacking of fancy Catholic churches. Phillip II sends 20,000 Spanish troops to pacify the Low Countries. The "Council of Blood" tribunal is opened on top of the Inquisition. In 1576, the provinces unite under Prince William of Orange. The seven northern provinces form the Union of Utrecht and declare independence from Spain.

Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre

Aug 24, 1572

The marriage of Margaret Valois to the Protestant Henry of Navarre leads to an attack by the Catholics upon the Protestants across France, killing thousands of Huguenots.

Ivan lets Simeon rule

Dec 5, 1572

In 1572 the Oprichniki were disbanded after their failure to defend Moscow. Ivan abdicated and placed a Tartar general, Simeon Bekboelatovitch, on the Moscow throne, while he retired to a country estate. Ivan made regular visits to the capital to pay homage to the new Tsar. This strange game lasted for a year.
This important because Ivan retired for a short amount of time.
(History on the Net)

Ivan conquers Siberia

Apr 12, 1580

In 1580 Ivan started his conquest to conquer Siberia. Ivan pressured and persuaded the various family based tribes to change their loyalties and become tributaries of Russia. Some agreed voluntarily, some were forced. Ivan expanded his empire to the east and allowed him to call himself "Tsar of Siberia" in the tsar's very last years. (A E Network)
This is important because Siberia is a large part of the territory of present day Russia.

Ivan kills his son

Nov 16, 1581

In 1581 flew into a rage because his pregnant daughter-in-law was not properly dressed. He beat her and she miscarried. His son then argued with him. This provoked Ivan further and he hit his son with a staff. His son died of his injuries.
This is important because it left Muscovy without a good leader. (History on the Net)

Ivan the Terrible dies

Mar 18, 1584

Ivan died from a stroke while playing chess on 28 March [18 March] 1584. Upon Ivan's death, the Russian throne was left to his unfit and childless middle son Feodor. Feodor died childless in 1598, ushering in the Time of Troubles.
This is important because it gave Russia no strong leader to lead the country causing the Time of Troubles. (Freeze)