Feudal fragmentation was a typical stage for all medieval European states.Russia is no exception.Already in the XI century, it began to show the first tendencies to self-justification separate principalities.And in the first half of the XII century, once one of the most powerful states in the region falls into a completely independent principalities.From these local entities subsequently increased Novgorod Republic, Galicia-Volyn, Zhytomyr, Vladimir-Suzdal, Moscow, and a number of other principalities.That Moscow had yet to become a new cultural, economic, and, finally, the political center of the Eastern Slavs.
struggle for the unification of the Russian lands back under the domination of a single ruler starts from the beginning of the XIV century.During this period reaches its peak crushing the principalities and the reverse process of centralization.By the way, this process was also characteristic of the whole of Europe where something happened early (as in England), and in some cases the effects of medieval feudal fragmentation overcome almost to the XX century (Germany, Italy).Thus, the basis for unification of Russian lands were similar in nature to the European tendencies.However, they have a number of features.
Background unification of Russian lands
As feudal fragmentation contributed to the weak trade ties between the regions of the country, as economic reasons were the basis of land consolidation in XIV-XV centuries.In particular, this was reflected in the progress of agriculture and the strengthening of trade relations.In addition, the development of agriculture has led to more intense isolation and the formation of a separate class of artisans.Create an internal market, strengthening economic ties.Thus, the primary basis for unification of Russian lands lay in the natural and social and economic development of the East Slavic territories, which automatically entailed the need for political union.The formation of a single state has become a priority interest to a wide circle of Russian society: merchants, artisans, the urban population and, of course, the nobility.Other prerequisites unification of Russian lands lay in the aggravation of social contradictions.The fact that the rise of agriculture is constantly urged to strengthen local feudal exploitation of the peasant communities.The most important manifestation of this operation was to strengthen the growing enslavement.Of course, on the part of the peasants resistance and this caused constant rebellions.Weak politically and militarily against principalities needed a state bureaucracy that landowners would have given guarantees of income for farmers and would create uniform rules and protect them from the tyranny of landlords.
stages of unification of Russian lands
As you know, the new center of the eastern Slavs was Moscow.This centralization is usually divided into four stages:
- Stage 1 .It began in the beginning of the XIV century and was characterized by the movement of the economic center of southern areas in the north-east.
- 2nd stage .The second half of the XIV and the beginning of the XV century.During this period, the princes of Moscow were able to overcome all his rivals and the subjugation of the remaining Russian lands.Then the case of the first high-profile victory over Tartar armies - Battle of Kulikovo.
- 3rd stage .It is waging a war for power in Moscow itself.
- 4th stage .The second half of the XV and XVI centuries.Moscow princes Ivan III and later Vasily III - completing the process of gathering the Russian lands into a single state.In 1480 finally ousted the Mongol-Tatar yoke.
