Historical Psychology...

So I am taking a History of Russia class this semester. I love it so far, but we shall see considering my first exam is on Thursday. We have been talking the last few class periods about Ivan the Terrible (Ivan the IV) I cannot believe some of the things he did while he was the Tsar. Hearing about his childhood, his entrance to power, his first marriage, her death and then the way that he ruled the country, his "church"... Parts of this story ore horrifying, and others are heartbreaking.

His father dies when he was three and his mother died shortly after. He was left to the 'care' of a political family named the Shuiskys. They treated him terribly, and worst of all was their oldest son Andrew. He tormented Ivan. During this time Ivan became known for torturing small animals. Finally at 13 he asserted himself as a leader. He initiated himself by having Andrew arrested and publicly tortured and then killed. It was absolutely barbaric. He has himself crowned the Tsar of Russia at 16 and a month later marries Anastasia Romanov. She was most likely the best thing that happened to him throughout the rest of his life. She has a profound and wonderful effect on him and their marriage is a happy one.

Russia, however, was not a happy place. It is in turmoil and Moscow is nearly burned to the ground. Ivan believes that this is punishment from God on the Tsar and that he needs to reform the way that he rules. He creates different councils and a written law. Ivan launches several campaigns against different nations and people. He falls ill and believes he will die. He wants his council to pledge their allegiance to his son Dimitri, but they were all very hesitant. When he recovered from this illness he never forgave these men.

So much happened that I cannot begin to relate here, and there is so much history that goes into this story in order for it to truly make sense. Another important bit of information is that he created a "church" or sorts called "Satan's Band" for his army of barbarians called the "Oprichnina". In this "church" they twist their Bible and turn things upside down so that they are practically worshiping satan. They commit heinous acts in the name of the Tsar and Russia is terrified of them.

His son Dimitri dies, and the next son in line is Ivan. In a fit of rage, Ivan IV kills his son. Eventually Ivan the Terrible dies in 1584.

Part of me wants to study this, I mean, really study it. I want to know why this stuff happened in history. I want to know how horrible things in history could have occurred the way that they did. Sometimes I think it's kinda morbid. But more than anything I am fascinated and just want to know more. I don't know all that my future holds, but I would love for it to hold something in the area of Historical Psychology.

The end.