Reading: Beast of the East

Questions

How big is Russia? Go to Google Earth and compare Russia to the USA.
What role did the Mongols play in the formation of Russia?
Why did Russia feel the need to expand their empire? Was this similar or different to the French, Spanish and British reasons to create an empire?
Why was Ivan called “ The Terrible”?
What does it mean “To Westernize”?
What actions did Peter the Great’s make as a ruler that were influenced by the Scientific Revolution & the Enlightenment Philosophers ideas? What actions did he take that were more in line with the classic “absolute power” monarch?
Who were the serfs? What was their quality of life like in Russia?
In what ways was Catherine the Great try to live out the enlightenment as a ruler? In what ways did she not succeed?
In one paragraph, explain: Do you think either Peter or Catherine deserved the title of being “the Great”? Provide two reasons why or why not?
In one paragraph, explain: Do you think Peter and Catherine were “Leaders influenced by the Enlightenment” or “More of the Same” Absolute Monarchs? Provide two reasons for your answer.