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Posted by Kerry Kubilius May 30, 2008 |
When the Mongols came to Eastern Europe, pillaging and murdering, residents of Russian cities could do nothing but be slaughtered or bow to the demand for money that was to be paid as tribute to the khan. Alexander Nevsky was one grand prince who understood that bloodshed would only come with resistance, and encouraged the people of Novgorod to accept the terms of the Golden Horde. Alexander Nevsky became a legend through careful negotiation with the Mongols as well as by using military prowess against Russia's enemies.
By Ivan the Great's time, the Mongol Horde had weakend, and Ivan decided to test the waters by refusing to send tribute or gifts to the khan. While this outraged the khan, they were no longer powerful enough to retaliate as they once had. Ivan the Great finally won freedom from the Mongols and increased Russia's standing in the eyes of western nations.