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1533
Ivan IV (the Terrible) the first czar; expands autocracy, begins annexation of Siberia -
Russian Orthodox Church becomes independent of other orthodox churches
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Poland invades Russia
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Michael Romanov becomes czar, founds dynasty that rules until 1917
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Peter I (the Great) Russia's first emperor; creates modern European power; promotes Western culture, builds new capital, St. Petersburg
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Catherine II (the Great) turns Russia into one of strongest powers in Continental Europe
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Napoleon invades Russia; ferocious winter and Russian resistance nearly annihilate French
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1861
Alexander II emancipates serfs, launches reforms -
Russia loses Russo-Japanese War; Revolution of 1905 forces Nicholas II to accept a parliament, constitution
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Russia enters World War I, suffers devastating defeats from Germany and Austria, morale collapses; revolution erupts
