
17th-century Russia
17th-century Russia was a time of significant change, transitioning from traditional medieval society to a more centralized state. The Tsardom, initially under Ivan the Terrible and later the Romanov dynasty, expanded its territory, notably through conquest and colonization. The period saw efforts to modernize administration, military, and culture, influenced by contact with Europe. However, it also experienced internal conflicts, political strife, and social unrest, as peasants, nobles, and the church vied for power. This era laid the groundwork for Russia’s emergence as a major Eurasian empire by the early 18th century.