Geographical Influence

Ivan decided to go against the Tatars in some campaigns from 1547 and 1552, which destroyed the power of the Turkish invaders and added on their lands along the Volga River.  When he went back to his capital he said to the boyars "Now I no longer fear you!". He then ruled as an autocrat. Ivan's next campaign, which was to get Russia an outlet to the Baltic Sea, ended dreadfully, and he was forced to get help from Pope Gregory XIII. Ivan the Terrible got even more power with the institution of  the oprichnina.