Vladimir Monomakh. Foreign policy and its outcome

For Russia at the end of the XI and the first quarter of the 12th century, the appearance of such a ruler as Vladimir Monomakh was a salvation in many directions: culture, foreign and domestic politics, literature. According to eyewitness accounts, he was not only a wise statesman, but also a very kind person, although many of his actions are treated differently. Vladimir Monomakh, whose foreign policy was characterized by rather harsh methods, forced all the neighboring states to respect the Russian lands united by him. Consequently, such quality as kindness extended only to fellow tribesmen, who, in turn, fully submitted to the will of the Kiev prince.

Long way to power

The grandson of the famous Yaroslav the Wise, the son of his beloved Vsevolod and (presumably) the daughter of Constantine Monomakh, the Emperor of Byzantium, from whom he inherited his nickname, Vladimir Vsevolodovich early began to delve into the subtleties of government. In Pereyaslavl-South, he began his career as a commander, managing his father's retinue. In this capacity, he suffered several defeats on the battlefield. This gave him further experience of waging war and negotiating with the enemy. During the reign of Smolensk and Chernigov lands, it acquires authority among the population and forms a squad, which is clearly organized and capable.

Already at this stage, adherence to the idea of feudal division is seen in the community of interests of all Russian lands, which will later be implemented by the future Kiev prince Vladimir Monomakh. Its foreign policy consists in the strict suppression of encroachments on subordinate territories by steppe nomads and influential states, even such as Byzantium. After the death of his father, who ruled Kiev, he could seize power by force, but made the wise decision to follow the inheritance order created by Yaroslav the Wise, and not incite the already complicated relationship between the prince brothers. According to the principle of seniority, Svyatopolk began to rule the lands of Kiev, and Vladimir received the reign of Pereyaslavl. At this time he actively supported his cousin. Traditions were the congresses of the ruling Russian princes, at which common problems were discussed and joint actions on defense of the state against the Polovtsian raids were stipulated.

Foreign and domestic policy during the reign of Vladimir Monomakh

Since 1113, after the death of Svyatopolk, Vladimir Monomakh is summoned to the Kiev lands, but the principle of seniority is violated, the next prince should become Oleg. In the future, this circumstance will significantly complicate relations between relatives and lead to war. The rule of his predecessor caused widespread discontent, especially among the poor. The disturbances that arose in this regard grew into a confusion, which quickly enough suppressed the new Kiev prince Vladimir Monomakh.

The policy of Vladimir Monomakh can be traced quite clearly. It is the unification of all the scattered Slavic lands under the rule of one ruler. The Principalities, run by his brothers and sons, must be clearly subordinated to Kiev in the economic and political field. The unification of the Russian lands led to a significant increase in the military power of the state and its emergence as a European power, with which the other nations could not be ignored. The policy of the ruler Vladimir Monomakh inside the country was tough against the princes, whose power he limited and granted some indulgences to the working people. His "Charter" was aimed at the maintenance of artisans, smerds, who by their labor provided economic stability of the country.

On the other hand, the prince acted harshly and on the battlefield. Polovtsy for a long time frightened their children by his name (Vladimir Monomakh). The foreign policy of his government is defined as the conduct of constant bloody wars aimed at maintaining the authority of the state and protecting its borders. He conducts a constant struggle with the steppe inhabitants, wins many victories and concludes peace treaties. Since 1116, the Polovtsian raids on Rus have completely ceased. The foreign policy of Vladimir Monomakh against Byzantium is also aggressive. Since 1116 he has been at war with the Greeks, seizing several cities on the Danube. The result of the campaign is peace, concluded in 1123. Granddaughter of Monomakh becomes the wife of the Byzantine emperor. At the same time, peace treaties are signed in parallel, and dynastic marriages are concluded with the rulers of many European countries (Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway).

Cultural heritage

During the formation of Russia as a single state, a rather low standard of living of the population is observed. In fact, the lands inhabited by Slavic tribes continue to exist in the primitive system. At that time, the level of culture of medieval European countries was much higher, but Vladimir Monomakh, whose foreign policy implied integration into Europe, very quickly brought the country to a new stage of development, without losing the identity of the Slavic values that exist today. His reign was marked by the erection of many churches and temples, the development of writing and literature, architecture and architecture.

Historical meaning

In 1125 Vladimir Monomakh died. None of the previous and succeeding rulers was awarded such praise in the annals and folk tales. He became famous as a wise and fair prince, a talented and successful military leader, an educated, intelligent and kind person. His work on rallying Russian lands and suppressing internecine wars is the basis for the formation of a strong and united state, which for the first time reached the international level as a reliable partner and a formidable enemy.