Reforms of Ivan 4

Ivan the Terrible was an extraordinary ruler of Russia. Few people exclude the view of him as a tyrant. Such traits of his character were laid down in his childhood: Ivan early lost his father and mother and was under the care of the boyars who fought for power. The reforms of Ivan 4 became an integral part of the history of the country and laid the foundation for a new period in history.

When the tsar was young, the state was ruled by his mother, Vasily's wife-Elena Glinskaya. After her death, the young king remained under the patronage of the boyars, who sought to place Ivan in their place and seize power. At age 17, Ivan 4 becomes an adult: he marries Anastasia Romanova. Then Ivan takes the royal title in the Assumption Cathedral, located in the Moscow Kremlin.

The reforms of Ivan 4 can be divided into two periods, namely:

1. Reform of the Chosen One.

2. Oprichnina.

In the late 1540s around the young king formed a circle of his close friends and mentors, who began to be called the elected parliament. It consisted of: A.Adashev, A.Kurbsky, Sylvester and Makarii. In the first period of the reform of Ivan 4, briefly about them will be written below, consistent and aimed at strengthening the central power and military power of the country. The elected Rada held:

• The reform of public administration (the creation of orders - new central government bodies);
• The introduction of the new Code of Law Ivan 4 (1550);
• Church reform (convocation of church councils);
• Ivan's military reform 4 (the creation of new permanent troops called "Streltsky", the introduction of the Code of Service);
• Tax reform (a uniform tax system for the whole country is being introduced - land tax);
• Reform of local self-government (the creation of advisory bodies to address any pressing problems of both domestic and foreign policy - the Zemsky Sobors, the abolition of an important component of the Russian administration - feeding).

Such a magnificent beginning of the reign ended in 1553, when disagreements arose between the tsar and his chosen circle. As a result - the collapse of the Chosen One. In 10 years the best friend of Ivan the Terrible will flee to the Poles side - Andrei Kurbsky. This act will finally undermine all the hopes of the king, and he will announce the beginning of Oprichnina. Oprichnina is a terror of the times of Ivan the Terrible, which he proclaimed at a special royal estate (land).

The lands of Suzdal, Mozhaisk and Vyazma, as well as other close cities, have been oprichnina. The reforms of Ivan 4 ceased to be effective, no more reform attempts were made.

Oprichnina continued to intimidate residents for 7 years, after which it was canceled. Ivan 4 ordered the execution of all those who participated in his terror.

It is worth noting that at this time a bloody campaign was launched on Novgorod.

The reforms of Ivan 4 in the first period of his rule contributed to strengthening the central authority and power of the tsar, they strengthened the military power of the whole country, they "presented" to Russia a general set of laws and a representative authority - the Zemsky Sobor.

Thus, all the changes of Ivan 4 contributed to the creation of a caste-representative monarchy.