SAT II World History : Rise of Russia

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II World History

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Example Questions

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Example Question #202 : 1500 C.E. To 1900 C.E.

The Russian Code of Laws, signed in 1649, was designed to __________.

Possible Answers:

stop the spread of Lutheranism in Russia

modernize Russian society

strengthen the institution of serfdom in Russia

abolish the power of the aristocracy

stop the spread of Catholicism in Russia

Correct answer:

strengthen the institution of serfdom in Russia

Explanation:

The Russian Code of Laws (1649) was designed to strengthen the institution of serfdom in Russia. Until then, the serfs (peasants who worked the lands) still enjoyed some rights, including the ability to abandon their land and move about. With the introduction of the Code of Laws, most Russian peasants were firmly tied to the feudal system and had almost no rights of their own.

Example Question #203 : 1500 C.E. To 1900 C.E.

The primary combatants of the Great Northern War were Russia and __________.

Possible Answers:

Britain 

Prussia 

Poland 

Lithuania 

Sweden

Correct answer:

Sweden

Explanation:

The Great Northern War was fought from 1700 until 1721 between Russia and the Swedish Empire. The war was waged under the direction of the Russian Tsar, Peter the Great, who wanted to expand Russian influence into the Baltic and contest Swedish hegemony in the region. It resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Russians, which propelled the nation forward dramatically in terms of regional dominance.

Example Question #204 : 1500 C.E. To 1900 C.E.

The first Russian navy was developed during the reign of __________.

Possible Answers:

Ivan the Terrible

Peter the Great

Catherine the Great

Nicholas I

Ivan the Great

Correct answer:

Peter the Great

Explanation:

Prior to Russia's victory in the Great Northern War, it had possessed no territory which directly bordered a sea or ocean. With the annexation of territory on the Baltic Sea, Peter the Great was able to build and develop the first Russian navy—one of the many accomplishments for which he is fondly remembered in popular Russian history.

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