2.4 KiB
{} Before Peter
== Stuck in the Past ==
Russia was still very medieval - Isolated from many of the developments in Europe - Unaffected by the European Renaissance Romanov Dynasty began in 1613, centralized authority under a Tsar - Nobles had elected Michael Romanov - He and his successors brought stability and some centralization
{} Peter & Modernization
== Peter the Great ==
Only 10 in 1682 when he came to the throne - Shared it with his brother Ivan until his death in 1696 - Tumultuous beginning to his reign - Convinced he must secure power from the streltsy and boyars and increase the Russian Military 1697 he journeyed throughout Europe - Especially impressed by the maritime powers - Recruited a group and brought them back to Russia - Used them to westernize his country
== Modernizing by Force ==
Enforced autocratic rule - rule with unlimited authority - Forced the boyars to be civil or military officials (Table of Ranks) Cultural changes as well - Russian style made them the butt jokes in Europe - Boyars were forced to shave their bears, wear western style clothes, and mix with women in public - To ensure noble cooperation, he strengthened noble control over their lands - Stricter control over serfs spread the practice - Some serfs were used by his government as well - soldiers and laborers
== Might Makes Right ==
Pushed through reforms modeled after the west - Technology, education, simplified alphabet - Mercantilist policies: encouraged exports and manufacturing - A trade surplus is necessary for healthy economy Put down resistance with gruesome displays Expanded his control to include the church - Abolished the patriarch, set up the Holy Synod which would govern the church with his influence
== Expanding Russian Influence ==
Military - largest standing army in Europe and a modern navy - Goal: attain a warm water port on the Black Sea - Unable to defeat the Ottomans - Defeated the Swedes in the Great Northern War and ports on the Baltic and a place in European politics - Won lands to the west north of Manchuria and sent explorers along the Bering Strait Built St. Petersburg - Constructed "window to the west" on the Baltic sea
== Was Peter Successful? ==
Attained warm water ports Built a large army and modern navy Increased power over nobles - Some ground was lost after his death Expanded holdings to the pacific Left no heir Serfdom increased - Widened the gap with Western Europe