- How do you think Mr. Ivanov, is it correct to see in the biography of Peter the Great two biographies: his personal biography, characterizing his life's path, and the biography of the Russian Empire? - Pavlenkov asked.

- In 1721 Peter I declared the Russia as an Empire, - Ivanov reacted. - There are scientific definitions of the concept of "Empire". The empire is defined as a vast state that includes the territories of other peoples and states. Discussions are held about the content of the scientific definition.

In the ordinary consciousness - an Empire is a powerful, "brilliant" state.

The fates of Peter the Great and the Russian Empire are interrelated.

The processes that led to the emergence of the Russian Empire, began long before Peter I.

There are challenges, that facing any government. For example, state must to ensure the independence, security, development, trade and cultural relations with other countries.

The solution to these "standard" tasks in the specific conditions of Russia led to the emergence of the Russian Empire.

Pavlenkov looked at Ivanov with interest. Ivanov continued:

- Victory in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380 - one of the most important events in the process of gaining independence by Russia. But this victory was the result of the summing of different factors. For example, a significant role was played by the internecine wars in the Golden Horde. Troops of the Golden Horde were repeatedly defeated by the army of Tamerlane. The Great Stand on the Ugra river in 1480 completed the acquisition of Russia's almost complete political independence.

However, safety was far away. One example is the existence of so-called Qasim Khanate or Kingdom of Qasim within Russia since 1445 in 1681.

Before Ivan IV Vasilyevich (Ivan the Terrible) were the tasks: and centralization, and security.

Ivan IV Vasilyevich was born in 1530; Grand Prince from 1533, the first Russian Tzar since 1547. He died in 1584.

Peter the Great was born in 1672; Russian Tsar from 1682, Emperor of Russia since 1721.

About one hundred and fifty years were between the periods of activity of Ivan IV Vasilyevich and Peter the Great.

There are surnames and place-names that "connect" the period of the reign of Ivan IV Vasilyevich and Peter I the Great.

In 1558, the Stroganov Grigory receives an official document from Ivan IV on ownership of desert land on both sides of the Kama river, from the mouth of the Lysva to the Chusovaya River.

In 1568 to the possessions of Stroganov by an official document from Ivan IV were attached the lands on the 20 miles up of the Chusovaya River .

In 1574 Ivan IV attaches lands along the Tobol River to the possessions of Stroganov.

Stroganovs received the right to populate the earth with people, judge them during 20 years old, not to pay government taxes and duties. Stroganovs had the right to build cities, to have military men, produce cannons.

On acquired lands Stroganovs develops salt, fish, ores extraction, cultivates arable farming.

The Stroganovs owned vast lands and received a large income from the salt and trade furs. They were not subject to Royal governors and, subject only to the personal Royal court.

In 1581 the Stroganovs recruited, equipped, armed, sent a detachment of Cossacks under command of ataman Yermak Timofeyevich.

In 1582 Ermak breaks the troops of Kuchum Khan and enters into the capital of the Siberian Kingdom (Khanate of Sibir) Isker (Qashliq).

In 1584 completed the period of the reign of Ivan IV but the Stroganovs continue to be active in Russian history.

Stroganovs had a significant monetary and military assistance to the Second Volunteer Army..

In the first years of the reign of Michael I of Russia, the first Russian Tsar of the house of Romanov, when the Treasury was depleted, and often lacked the funds for the maintenance of military men, the Stroganovs had major cash and food aid to the state.

During the Great Northern War (1700-21), the Stroganovs rendered great financial aid to Peter I.

- Perhaps, - Ivanov stared at Pavlenkova, - we get the first group of concepts that characterize the history of the Empire:

Independence

Security

Centralization,

Ural,

Siberia,

Initiative commercial, industrial, and free people.

Pavlenkov thoughtfully looked at Ivanova.

Ivanov continued:

- The desire to develop trade and cultural relations with Europe was one of the motives of the beginning of Ivan IV Vasilyevich the Livonian War (1558-1583).

Successful start of the Livonian war showed the importance of positive reform of the army and the state apparatus.

However, there has been a "problem of coalition". Russia had to wage war simultaneously against Lithuania, Poland, Denmark and Sweden. Many forces were distracted by raids of Devlet I Giray, a khan of the Crimean Khanate, on the southern margin of the state. Despite this, Ivan IV rejected the truce in 1566 and continued the fight against the bloc of States in the absence of allies.

In the late 70's-beginning 80-ies the Russian troops were forced to leave all the conquered territory. The Livonian war ended inconclusively. In the end of the Livonian war ended badly for Russia, and Russia's access to the Baltic sea was carried out only in the early 18th century. Under the leadership of Peter the Great. The result of the Great Northern War of 1700-1721.

So, thinking about the Livonian war, we come to another group of concepts, describing the history of the Empire:

- coalition,

- reform of the army (Peter the Great added the task of creating a fleet),

- positive government reform (creation of a professional army by Peter the Great demanded changes in the tax system, improved budgetary process).

- Concisely! - appreciated Pavlenkov. - But - in general - corresponds to the generally accepted historical concepts.

The activities of Peter the Great is a positive and practical development of concepts, describing the history of the Empire, - continued Ivanov.

- First, ensuring state independence, security, the trend for centralization,

Second, the development of the Urals and Siberia, the development of industry in these regions