The History of Moscow
The History of Moscow
In 1147, when Moscow began to figure
in Russian history, it formed part of the principality of Suzdal’; the date of
its settlement is unknown. The development of the little village into a
sprawling city dates from 1295, when it became the capital of the newly
established principality of Moscow.
Growth was especially rapid during
the first half of the 14th century, a period marked by sharp expansion of the
power and wealth of the principality.
In 1325 the metropolitan of the
Russian Orthodox church transferred his seat to Moscow, making the city the
national religious capital. It became the national political capital during the
reign (1462-1505) of Grand Duke Ivan III Vasilyevich, who unified the Russian
principalities. The seat of the Russian government was removed from Moscow to
Saint Petersburg in 1712.
Moscow has survived many disasters,
including conflagrations, plagues, riots, revolts, sieges, and foreign
occupation. In September 1812, during the Napoleonic Wars, the city was
occupied by the armies of Napoleon. Russian patriots set fire to the city soon
after his entry; the resultant French withdrawal from Russia led to Napoleon's downfall.
The Moscow populace figured
significantly in the Revolution of 1905 and the Revolution of 1917. In 1918 the
new government of Russia moved to Moscow, and in 1922 the city was officially
made the Soviet capital. Large sections of the city were rebuilt and modernized
after the Bolshevik victory.
In December 1941, during World War
II, powerful German armies were decisively repulsed at the approaches to
Moscow.
In 1991 the city was the hub of the
discussions and confrontations that led to the dissolution of the USSR, and in
1993 was the site of an armed clash between the forces of President Boris
Yeltsin and conservative legislators. More than 140 people died in the uprising
before Yeltsin's government reclaimed control.
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