  |
|||
|
|
|
||
|
Posted by Kerry Kubilius Jun 2, 2008 |
Ivan IV, "Ivan Grozny" in Russian, ruled with insight during the first part of his reign, and ruled with cruelty during the last part. Youthful enthusiasm, education, love for wife and family, and a desire to reach out to other parts of the world encouraged Ivan to help Russia advance in areas of foreign policy, trade, and military might. While Ivan might not have been exactly happy in the early years of his rule, this segment of his life was marked with wise rule, skill in governance, and interest in increasing Russia's social, economic, and military power.
Death of four children and the death of his wife, Anastasia, added to the internal instability from which Ivan IV suffered since his childhood, when he was orphaned, neglected, and abused by those who ruled until he came of age. Ivan's behavior became increasingly strange as well as fearsome. Torture and murder became commonplace in 16th century Russia. When Ivan died, he left behind a country that was just as tormented as the one in which he had been born.