Russia´s Peter the Great

782 Words2 Pages

The quote “The ideas and beliefs of philosophers and leaders have led to changes in the nation and regions,” is a perfect example of the changes made by Peter the Great during the time he ruled. Tsar Peter I, better known as Peter the Great lived an adventurous life from the year 1672 to the year 1725. Peter the Great was an absolute ruler who reigned from 1682 to 1689. Peter the Great had many goals, beliefs, and accomplishments that he achieved during this period of time. He took control of Russia, and additionally, was able to change the way of life in Russia during the time he ruled.
Before Peter the Great took control of Russia, it differed drastically from the states and societies that lye further west. During the seventeenth century, Russia was a highly firm and restricted society; one in which people did not have rights and/or control of their own lives. Around the area of Moscow, Peter inherited a huge territorial aggregation. At the time, Western Europe was sparsely populated, and the level of economic development was too low for European standards. It was practically impossible to give an accurate approximation of what the population in Russia actually was, but it was estimated to be around 10 to 12 million during the late seventeenth century. The government prior to Peter the Great was in effect of promising the landlords a secure supply of peasants by the extension of serfdom.
Peter the Great had many goals during the time he ruled. 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. Peter the Great also founded Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1703. Additionally, in 1725 (the year of his death), an academy of the sciences was also established there.
Peter the Great, was, as his name implies, “great”. He made many accomplishments during his lifetime including expanding Russia’s land, heightening their military, and improving the Russian’s ways of life overall. He assisted with most of the reform in Russia, helped them defeat other countries, and formulated one of the strongest armies in Europe.

Open Document