William Tyler
The Early Romanovs: 1613-1696
Summary
The lecture discusses the early Romanovs and covers key historical events, including Michael Romanov’s accession to the throne; wars against Sweden, Poland, Persia, and the Tartars; expansion into Siberia and the Pacific Coast; rebellions; and the division between the West and East. The lecture explores Russia’s obsession with securing its borders, expansion as an empire, and the tensions with Western influence, highlighting parallels with contemporary issues in Russia, such as the Putin era.
William Tyler
William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.
Yes, they do. They’re frightened. Well, Putin carries that fear. He believes that NATO is on his borders and if he isn’t strong, will come in. We keep hearing that NATO is a defensive alliance. But if you were Russian, how is a defensive alliance supplying all these weapons of war, America and Britain primarily, to the Ukrainians? It’s hardly neutral, and it’s hardly defensive.
No, because the Civil War was between Americans and Americans. The Ukrainians don’t see themselves as Russian. They see themselves as Ukrainian.
That’s absolutely true. That’s a problem for everybody and that’s another issue that would have to be resolved.