Ivan IV (the Terrible) the first czar; expands autocracy, begins annexation of Siberia

Russian Orthodox Church becomes independent of other orthodox churches

Time of Troubles, Poland invades Russia

Michael Romanov becomes czar, founds dynasty that rules until 1917

Peter I (the Great) Russia's first emperor; creates modern European power; promotes Western culture, builds new capital, St. Petersburg

Catherine II (the Great) turns Russia into one of strongest powers in Continental Europe

Napoleon invades Russia; ferocious winter and Russian resistance nearly annihilate French

Alexander II emancipates serfs, launches reforms

Russia loses Russo-Japanese War; Revolution of 1905 forces Nicholas II to accept a parliament, constitution

Russia enters World War I, suffers devastating defeats from Germany and Austria, morale collapses; revolution erupts