Ivan The Terrible Research Paper

Ivan IV Vasil’Yevich, also named Ivan the Terrible, was not as terrible as historians portray him. Through the misinterpreted translation of his nickname “terrible” which is descended from the Russian word “Grozny,” actually translates to meaning formidable, which lessens the initial thought of horror and dreadfulness. In fact, Ivan the fourth was a man of great ability who had many great accomplishments during his reign. Ivan was the first Tsar of Russia, who developed the country to the Russian Empire from the medieval nation state that it was through a new code of laws and new parliament. During his reign, Ivan also opened up the opportunity for trade with other countries in Europe. This increased the relations between England and Russia, …show more content…
Ivan’s ideas for expansion were far more advanced than the rest of the Muscovites. He wanted to reach out to Western Europe for a partnership. This all began with a relationship between Russia and England as, “His plans agreed with the desire of Chancellor to make the discovery of the new country, a profit to the company of merchant adventurers, which had sent him out.” Ivan IV and the English agent partnered up and agreed to establish “regular commercial relations” between Russia and Europe via a new route discovered in which English merchants would be undisturbed by the enemies of Russia, Poland, and Denmark. In return Ivan promised “extensive privileges to the English merchants in his country.” Through this agreement, the “Muscovy Company” had arisen and planned regular voyages to Russia which was to become a “new and rich domain for the commercial activity and enterprise of the English.” The northern countries needed warm woolen clothes and England, France, and other countries needed Russia’s raw materials. The new route discovered worked out well as Europe would be able to export these materials without the Russian enemies disrupting. Although trade was established between Russia and England, Ivan secretly used this plan of business to lead to an ultimate plan of alliance with England …show more content…
In his testament, Ivan acknowledges the fact that in his time of sickness and eventually death, no one will pity him for he has committed undesirable actions. Ivan states, “I in my mind gave myself over to the brilliance of the purple and glitter of gold, and I fell among the thieves of the mind and the senses, in thought and in deed.” Ivan understands that he let himself fall in to greed and the selfishness of becoming powerful, and understands that now it is too late for him but not too late for his children. Ivan transitions from his wrongful deeds and acknowledging that he was wrong and gives advice to his children, which at the time both Ivan and Fedor, his two sons were still present. They will be the future heirs to the throne once he passes away. Ivan states, “Children need not preserve possessions for their parents…my voice is to the sons of men, for the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit thereof than fine gold,” referencing to wisdom which is the highest possession there is. He also reminds them to protect the land, enforce justice, don’t bicker, and lastly that even if they obtain as much property and wealth as they want, death will come and it is

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