Dancing with the Czars Multiple Choice Quiz | Royalty & Monarchs

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. This Empress was elected to rule by The Supreme Privy Council, which set limits on her power. In order to show her resolve to rule as she wished, she crowned herself but allowed her favorite to control the government.

Answer: Anna I

Anna I (1693-1740, reigned from 1730) created many institutions during her reign. These included the "Cadet Corps", where young boys were trained for the military as well as The Academy of Science. She decided to add courses in the arts as a way to increase knowledge in Russia. Nevertheless, court intrigue also led to her creation of a "Secret Office of Investigation", which punished political crimes .

These crimes were not always proven and thus an atmosphere of distrust grew up around her court.

2. Although keenly intelligent, this czar was terribly disfigured. His intellectual abilities were shown by his development and support for The Academy of Sciences and his decision to choose administrators on the basis of merit rather than nepotism.

Answer: Feodor III

Feodor III (1661-1682, reigned from 1676) is considered an intellectual and ruler of serious character and even charm. This was more difficult since he was physically disfigured, which many thought, at the time, was a curse. However, he was a devoted reformer and liberal in his thinking and policies.

His achievements included support of higher education, open dialogue with associates and reforms to the Russian Orthodox Church.

3. This empress was noted for her intelligence, ambition and physical energy. She recruited Boyars to support her struggle for control. Her strong personality led to an atmosphere of crippling conservatism and violence.

Answer: Sofia I

Sofia I (1657-1704, reigned 1682) became regent while trying to destroy the claims of her brothers for the throne. Her reign was achieved through violence and police state tactics. Although stern and serious in her policies, she also supported education by promoting the first Russian school of higher learning.

4. This popular Empress led an extravagant lifestyle and created an extravagant court. Through her efforts, two great palaces were designed and built. These were the Peterhof Palace and the famous Tsarskoye Selo. She also abolished capital punishment.

Answer: Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I (1709-1762, reigned from 1741) ruled over one of the most extravagant courts ever seen in history. She became involved in two wars, The War of the Austrian Succession and The Seven Years' War. She was popular for promoting Russian ideals and limiting Prussian influence.

5. Murdered by his wife's lover, this Czar's reign achieved positive laws for Russia. He gave amnesty to exiled political prisoners, introduced democratic reforms and banned the persecution of dissenters.

Answer: Peter III

Peter III (1728-1762, reigned 1762) was controlled by his strong aunt, Elizabeth I. He was forced to marry a German , who soon betrayed him and ordered a coup to take over the throne. He was considered weak and unpopular for his obsession with all things Prussian.

His brief reign was considered militaristic but progressive, with many fine achievements, but his wife's ambition was too much for him to resist.

6. This czar was tested early in his reign. He kept the country together during a civil war and rejected the Pope's claim to supremacy, thus reaffirming the independence of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Answer: Vasily II

Vasily II (1415-1462, reigned from 1425) is most famous for ending the authority of The Golden Horde in Russia. His reign was troubled due to civil unrest, mostly due to establishing control once the Horde departed. He was blinded by his cousin, Dmitry, and eventually got revenge by poisoning his adversary. Still, he dealt with major changes in church and state with intelligence and care.

7. Separated at birth from his mother, and raised in an atmosphere of intrigue and murder, this czar became suspicious and introverted. Nevertheless he did free the prisoners of the 'Privy Council' and sought peace and a balance of power in Europe. He was suffocated by courtiers at the end of a brief reign.

Answer: Paul I

Paul I (1754-1801, reigned from 1796) was hardly with his mother, Catherine the Great. However her influence was felt throughout his confined and miserable childhood. He reigned only five years but adopted new Laws of Succession, which remained in force till 1917. Soon he was murdered by courtiers opposed to his policies.

8. This Czar's eventful reign saw the Russian invasion of Poland, and a war with Sweden. Although studious and quiet, this czar promoted great men within his circle and was considered a "Spiritual Epicurean".

Answer: Alexei I

Alexis I (1629-1676, reigned from 1645) ruled over an eventful period in Russian history. He was considered a spiritual man with Epicurian tastes. His quiet demeanor promoted a liberal atmosphere. His letters are considered excellent examples of a fine, literate Russian mind.

He is said to have had a calm disposition and genuinely enjoyed moderation in all things. His letters have been translated into many languages and show a gentle, bright spirit.

9. The daughter of Lithuanian peasants, she became Empress after marrying Peter the Great. Her rise from obscure origins, and from scullery maid to mistress and finally to Empress is extraordinary. After Peter's death, she ruled through support of the regimental guards and placed most of her power in the hands of the Privy Council.

Answer: Catherine I

Catherine I (1684-1740, reigned from 1730) worked as a kitchen servant but her beauty soon elevated her to mistress of some of the most famous Prussian generals of her time. Through one of these she met and soon married Peter the Great in a secret ceremony.

They had twelve children together, and according to reports she was able to calm his periodic rages and help him through epileptic attacks. The Order of Saint Catherine was created in her honor.

10. This woman came to power through a coup d'�tat, in which her husband, the czar, was murdered. With the help of her lover, she took control and created a court rich in advancements and a keen appreciation for the ideals of "The Enlightenment".

Answer: Catherine II

Catherine the Great(1729-1796, reigned 1762) reformed the administration of the court, modernized Russia, yet could not base the economy on something other than serfdom. Nevertheless, her great understanding of "The Enlightenment" led to a spirit of intellectual curiosity and modernization for most of Russia. She is also noted for her love life.

Source: Author Helene61

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Dancing with the Czars Trivia Quiz

A dance through the lives of Russian rulers. Some well known and others less so. Can you identify these pre revolution rulers?

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>

NEXT>