Russia: The Ever Changing Country

Russia in my opinion, is much like a teenager trying to find their identity. Through out all the years we learned about Russia (1400-present)they have changed their political views more then once. In the 15th century, Ivan III tripled the size of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. During his rule he made everyone know that he had absolute rule over everyone and everything. He forced the nobles and the people of Russia to recognize he had absolute power and do so with all his descendants. Ivan III had a son who he named Ivan. This Ivan was known as Ivan the Terrible. Ivan named himself Tsar and would kill or exile anyone for a small violation. His son took over after Ivan's death and did not make any heir to the throne. So when he died this created the period called the "Time of Troubles". Here they had years of no recognizable ruler until they established a Romanov to rule. The Romanov's ruled from early 1600's to their downfall in 1917. During the 300 years or so of Romanov rule, Russia was able to modernize their country with Peter the Great. The downfall came in 1917 because Russia believe Rasputin, their son's faith healer, was having too much say in the ruling of Russia. The youngest son had a disease where he would bleed uncontrollably, this was referred to as Hemophilia. After the assassination, Communism took over until 1991. And that was the story of confused Russia.