Once Ivan conquered Astrakhan, the Volga River became wholly Russian. In 1581, Siberia fell under the Russian Empire. However, it is important to note that Ivan himself did not acquire Siberia. It was a great triumph for Cossacks, who occupied east Ukraine. After having organized an army that outnumbered the Mongol presence in Russia, Ivan IV defeated the Mongol army and became the first Tsar of Russia in 1547, ending Tsar dominance in Russia. He created a stable and a powerful Russian state that lasted over four centuries. It was during his regime that emski sobor (land assembly) was founded in …show more content…
He joined the third coalition against the French conqueror Napoleon. In 1812, Napoleon defeated the Russian army, yet the Russians took advantage of harsh winters in Moscow and guided the Napoleon and his army into an area in the Duchy of Moscow, where food and other resources were scarce. When the time was right, Russians attacked Napoleon and defeated his army. This event became known as the “The retreat of the Grand Army from Moscow” and has been a classic military example of invading force suffering disaster and devastation. Upon the death of Alexander I, there was no direct heir to the throne. His younger brother Nicholas I succeeded on the throne in 1825 and ruled Russia until 1855. He continued the legacy of his brother Alexander I and under his regime in 1853, Russia acquired a part of Ottoman Empire – Moldovia and