What was the purpose of Ivan the Terrible adding lands to Russia and establishing a law code?

Ivan the Terrible's efforts to add lands to Russia and establish a law code primarily aimed at achieving Russian unification. Through the expansion of territories, he sought to consolidate various Russian principalities under a centralized authority. This was crucial in the context of the fragmented political landscape of Russia during the 16th century, which consisted of numerous independent states.

The introduction of a law code was also a significant step toward unifying these diverse regions by creating a standardized system of governance and legal practices. This law code, known as the Sudebnik, helped to establish consistency in legal proceedings and administrative practices, thereby fostering a sense of cohesion among the different territories that were being brought together under Ivan's rule.

In this way, Ivan the Terrible’s actions were not just about territorial conquest; they were fundamentally aimed at creating a more unified and centralized Russian state, which was essential for strengthening his own power and governance over a vast and varied population.