Tsarist Russia refers to the period in Russian history when the country was ruled by a series of monarchs known as tsars. This era began in the early 16th century with Ivan IV, also known as Ivan the Terrible, and lasted until the abdication of Nicholas II in 1917 during the Russian Revolution. The tsars held absolute power and were seen as divinely appointed rulers, overseeing vast territories and diverse populations. During this time, Russia underwent significant changes, including territorial expansion, social stratification, and economic development. The Romanov dynasty, which began in 1613, played a crucial role in shaping modern Russia. However, widespread discontent among the peasantry and growing revolutionary movements ultimately led to the fall of the ts