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Destroyed Russia's enemies, showing Russia's military power.
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Ivan suddenly left Moscow, claiming he wanted to abdicate. This caused the people to panic who begged him to continue to be their ruler. Ivan agreed to come back if and only if they gave him the right to punish anyone he saw fit. The people agreed, and Ivan's reign took a huge step into absolutism.
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Ivan organized a group of hitmen, called the "oprichnina," to kill any who he thought was disloyal.
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Ivan accidently killed his eldest son during an argument, leaving only his weak younger son to rule.
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Ivan died without leaving a strong ruler as king. Instead his weak younger son went on to rule and the country suffered greatly for it.