Augustus III of Poland vs Ivan the Terrible

Augustus III's election sparked the War of the Polish Succession (1733-1735). Russian and Austrian forces supported him against French-backed Stanis

Augustus III was elected King of Poland following the death of his father, Augustus II. His election was contested by Stanis

After the war, Augustus III ruled Poland as a figurehead monarch. Real power was exercised by the Russian ambassador and the Saxon court in Dresden. He spent most of his reign in Saxony, neglecting Polish affairs.

Augustus III continued his father's patronage of the arts in Dresden. He expanded the Dresden art collection, including works by Raphael and Correggio, and supported composers like Johann Adolph Hasse.

Ivan IV was crowned as the first Tsar of All Russia, adopting the title of Caesar. This coronation asserted Russia's independence from Mongol influence and claimed imperial status. It marked the beginning of centralized autocratic rule in Russia.

Ivan IV led a Russian army to conquer the Khanate of Kazan, ending Tatar rule in the Volga region. The siege lasted several weeks and resulted in the annexation of the khanate. This victory opened the way for Russian expansion into Siberia and the Caspian region.

Ivan IV launched a war against the Livonian Confederation to gain access to the Baltic Sea. The war lasted 25 years and involved Poland-Lithuania, Sweden, and Denmark. It ended in Russian defeat, with Ivan failing to secure a Baltic port.

Ivan IV created the Oprichnina, a separate territory and state apparatus under his direct control. He used the Oprichniki, a corps of secret police, to eliminate his political opponents. This policy led to widespread terror, executions, and confiscation of lands.

Ivan IV led the Oprichniki in a brutal campaign against the city of Novgorod, suspected of treason. Thousands of inhabitants were killed, and the city was looted and destroyed. This massacre broke the power of Novgorod and terrorized the Russian population.

Ivan IV struck and killed his eldest son and heir, Ivan Ivanovich, during an argument. The tsarevich died from his injuries days later. This event left Russia without a capable successor and contributed to the Time of Troubles after Ivan's death.