Which of the following best summarizes Russia's expansion as an empire under Ivan IV in the sixteenth century?

Question

A. Ivan IV successfully acquired access to the Baltic sea through military conquest
B. Ivan IV was the first to attempt to expand the Russian territory in every direction
C. Ivan IV used gunpowder weapons in new ways to take over areas he wanted
D. Ivan IV acquired Siberia even though the Cossacks refused to help him

Answer 1

The best summary of Russia's expansion as an empire under Ivan IV in the sixteenth century would be:

C. Ivan IV used gunpowder weapons in new ways to take over areas he wanted.

This option captures the innovative military strategies, including the use of gunpowder weapons, that Ivan IV employed during his campaigns to expand Russian territory.