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Basil III and Elena gave birth the Ivan IV
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Ivan's father became ill and chose Ivan as his successor, although he would not be able to rule until he turned 15 years old. His mother ruled in his place until he turned 8 years old when she died. It was rumored that the boyars poisoned her
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After his mother's death he was cared for by the boyars. They neglected and abused Ivan. This caused his hatred for the boyars in addition to the rumors of his mother's death. They affected him horribly and he needed a way to take out his anger so he resorted to killing small animals.
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A boyar beat him and left him locked in the palace.
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Ivan killed an animal for the first time to let his anger out.
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During this time he one many battles and gained land. He also made many changes to the government of Russia. He strengthen Russia's ties with Europe.
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Got married to his wife Anastasia Romanovna.
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He was crowned the tsar at the age of 17.
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He appointed a council of advisers to help him institute his reforms.
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He defeated Tartar khanates of Kazan and Astrakhan which extended his control.
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Because of success in battles, they built the Cathedral of Intercession (aka St. Basil's Cathedral), which is still a famous symbol in Russia today.
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Ivan IV reformed tax collection and instituted the church reform.
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He instituted regulations of the obligations of boyars in service of the him, the statuory law, and church reform
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Anastasia died and this event left Ivan IV in a deep depression. He suspected that the boyars poisoned her.
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These year's Ivan spent in suspicion and paranoia. He terrorized his people and especially the boyars.
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Ivan created a private police force which was called the "Oprichira" whose main goal was to kill the "suspected traitors"
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Ivan beat his daughter in law who was pregnant, and she had a miscarriage.
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In a fit of rage, Ivan killed his eldest son by beating him with an iron bar.
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Ivan died of a stroke
