Absolutism in Russia Essential Question: Was Peter the Great a state builder or a tyrant?

Peter the Great Background: Takes the throne in 1689 when he is 10 years old 1697 – sets out to study Western Technology and Culture » Looks at Cities » Factories » Art Galleries » Studies Anatomy

Peter the Great Background: Works in the ship yards as a carpenter Enjoys the life of Royalty at night Always stands out in the Crowd (7 feet tall)

Peter the Great Upon his return to Russia, Peter wants to Westernize. Westernization: the adaption of western ideas, technology, and culture.

Peter the Great Goals: Strengthen Military Expand Russian Borders Centralize Royal Power

Reforms Boyars: land owning nobles Peter will force these boyars to serve the state in civilian or military jobs.

Reforms Serfdom: system of Nobles overseeing peasants who are bound to the land. Under Peter serfdom is going to spread. Peasants would also be forced to be soldiers or laborers.

Reforms Improvements: Education Improved – Set up schools for math, science, and engineering Imported Western Technology Simplified the Alphabet

Reforms Cultural Changes Boyars were required to shave their heads Clothing was replaced with the Western styles Royal parties were thrown where both men and women attended. (normally it was just men)

Resistance Many Boyars resisted: In response, Peter had over 1000 rebels tortured and executed.

Expansion under Peter Peter created the largest standing army. He wanted to expand to the west and south.

Expansion under Peter Ports: – The only Ports that Russia had were in the Arctic, which would all freeze during the winter months. – Peter wanted a warm-water port that could be used year round.

Expansion under Peter In order to get a warm water port – Peter will send his army to the Ottoman Empire to gain territory along the Black Sea. He will not succeed.

Expansion under Peter War with Sweden: 1700s – he will begin a war with Sweden for territory in the Baltic Region. Early on he will lose (even though he out numbers the Swedish army by 5 times) 1709 – he defeats the Swedish and begins building along the coast of the Baltic Sea.

St. Petersburg “Window to the West” In order to build, he had thousands of serfs drain the swampy land. (many died) Brought in Italian Architects and Artisans to design huge palaces.

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg became a symbol of desire for a modern Russia.

Legacy Peter the Great dies in – Expanded Russian Territory – Gained ports on the Baltic – Built St. Petersburg – Had a Mighty Army – Ended Russian Isolation

Legacy Used Terror to enforce power Caused a Growth of Serfdom