Peter the Great was the czar of Russia between 1682 and 1725. He began to influence Russia’s development almost immediately after becoming czar and transformed Russia from an isolated agricultural society into an Empire on a par with European powers. Under his reign, existed a period of significant reforms, because of their major effects, which were constructive, useful and beneficial to his country. Peter’s reforms, especially, in the area of education, revealed his actions as pertaining to the characteristics of a reformer. The modernization of Russia was mostly based on Europeanization, which brought elements from Europe into Russia.
Most of this Russian Soviet landscape typology was used as a model in many Eastern Block countries. At the end of the 20th century the process of globalisation was seen in Russia as a process of Westernisation and Americanisation (Duquenne, 2006). In Russian sociological literature Westernisation is identified as imposing Western social and economical development, ideology and culture on non-Western countries. Most Russian authors also believe that in Russia, Westernisation is touching all spheres of life, not only in politics and economics, but also in ideology and culture (Zinoviev, 1999). The integration of Russia into a capitalist market economy was going very fast and it had its own peculiarities.
Peter the Great succeeded in modernizing and westernizing Russia. By his death, Russia was considered much more of a leading state in Europe than ever before. He modernized the army, created a navy, and succeeded in centralizing the government.
Peter the Great was an absolute monarch; he changed Russia’s culture, created new cities, and reformed the church. Peter the Great knew that the countries that were leading the world were those to the west, so he did everything he could to “Westernize” Russia. The first thing Peter did to westernize his country was to go out and bring back the technology and culture from the surrounding countries ("History of St. Petersburg, Russia: Peter the Great (short biography)"). He ended up bringing back many workers to aid in improving Russia’s technology. Peter then learned about construction and c... ... middle of paper ... ...so fast before it was too late for Russia.
Throughout the course of his governance over the Russian Empire, Peter the Great established many new domestic and foreign policies which benefited both internal welfare and international relations for Russia. So, to what extent did Peter the Great affect the social structure and political growth of the Russian Empire? Foreign Affairs Peter the Great revolutionized the Russian Empire into a European Superpower during his reign by defeating the Swedish Empire in the Great Northern War and modernizing Russian relations with the rest of Europe. Peter the Great became Tsar of Russia after the death of his brother Ivan. He inherited a nation that was severely underdeveloped compared to European countries, which were prospering both culturally and economically, as the Renaissance and the Reformation had just occurred in Europe (“Bio.com”).
By his death in 1725, Russia's military was a force to be reckoned with. Peter the Great was one of the important Czars to Russia. Peter’s reforms modernized Russia, bringing Western culture to the nation. Peter made Russia a more powerful nation by giving it more land, a larger army and a powerful navy. Without Peter’s desire to reform his nation, Russia would not be the way it is today.
One of his biggest goals was to modernize and westernize Russia. The main reason Peter the Great modernized Russia was because he did not want the country he ruled to be left vulnerable to expansionist powers in Europe. The powers were constantly at war, fighting to take over each other’... ... middle of paper ... ...Great also created a well- structured police state that further legitimized and strengthened authoritarian rule in Russia. There are several testaments to this lasting influence, such as the increased public institution in the Soviet Union and the Russian federation. Places such as Moscow State University, date back to the time in which Peter the Great ruled.
He completely changed the government into a bureaucratic state with its capital in St. Petersburg. Peter also changed the calendar to the same style used in most of Europe. He paid special attention to the development of science. He was a famous and skillful diplomat and a talented military leader. Under Peter's rule, Russia became a great European nation.
He was not only determined to change his country but was also convinced that if Russia was to be transformed, it was he who must provide both the direction and the motive force (Massie 233). “He was determined that Russia become and remain a great European power and carried forward the Westernizing policies in a radical and uncompromising manner,”(Guggenheim). Taking the position of an absolute monarch and the tsar of Russia, Peter the Great was powerful, achieved the goals of absolute monarchy and help better and west
How did Europeans push toward such a serious transformation? The answer can be seen in the mid-18th century when dramatic changes started become more prevalent. European states saw significant changes politically and economically during the 18th and 19th centuries. By incorporating new methods of factories and protective tariffs, states prospered very well during this time period. European states also used the previous ideas from the Enlightenment period to reject traditional methods, for new revolutionary ideas that applied to all aspects of society.