Ch. 18 THE RISE OF RUSSIA

Third Rome? First two “Romes:” Rome, Byzantine empires Traditionally borrowed heavily from these two traditions Seat of Orthodox Christianity Emerging as an influential power “Tsar:” caesar

Primary goals of Russian tsars during the early modern era Territorial expansion Consolidation/strengthening of tsarist rule (understanding these goals allows us to make sense of seemingly contradictory approaches)

Need for Revival Cultural Economic

Social Classes and Government Goals Many free peasants fell into great debt and were forced to become serfs on large estates. The Russian Government encouraged this process to satisfy the nobility and to regulate the peasants at the same time.

Focus on military needs To recruit soldiers, the tsars began to grant hereditary territories to military nobility. This led to harsh conditions and strict control over its serfs.

Cossacks: Russian “cowboys?”

The status of serfs They could be bought or sold, gambled away, and punished by their masters. Whole villages could be sold to supply manufacturing labor. This is in contrast to the rest of Europe, which was reducing serfdom in their countries.

Boyars Many conflicts with tsar forces over power. Tsars killed or exiled boyars who were considered a potential threat

Romanov Dynasty Would rule for next 300 years

Romanov Dynasty Expanded territory to borders of Ottoman empire. Continued to consolidate power into a central government. Those who did not follow the tsar’s policies were sent to Siberia.

Westernization By the end of the 17th century, Russia had become one of the great land empires. Peter I (the Great) (1689-1725) initiated westernization. (video clip)

He modeled his military and navy on western examples. Capital city was moved to St. Petersburg, to provide a “window on the West”

Versailles Peterhof

Peterhof Versailles

Peter tried to replicate many aspects of French absolutism. His economic efforts led to a strong mining industry to create state run munitions and shipbuilding facilities.

Peter wanted to make Russia respectable in Western eyes. Imported European artists and architects to Russia Gave upper class women more rights.

Encouraged the upper class to wear Western clothes, men had to shave their beards - got rid of Mongol and some Russian customs. The only problem with this enforced fashion is that it wasn't very suitable for the cold Russian weather. Russia nobles were used to wearing warm sheepskin robes so Peter's fashion decrees left many nobles freezing their behinds off.

Made ballet a Russian specialty and encouraged the upper class to learn French.

Peter created a secret police based on China’s model This police force was in place in one form or another until the fall of communism.

Catherine the Great: Enlightened Despot? The next powerful Russian leader (1729-1796)

(Catherine ctd.) Continued strengthening the central monarchy and expanding Russian territory

Shared Peter’s interest in western culture Encouraged the nobility to tour the West and to send their children to European schools Able to make Russia a major player in European affairs by the time of her death

Opposed to revolutionary ideas ignited by the French Revolution (why does this make sense?)

Selective Westernization

*Pugachev’s rebellion (video clip) Tsars strengthened the power of nobility over the serfs, even though it contradicted the Western ways. (Why did they take this approach?) *Pugachev’s rebellion (video clip)

Compare to Enlightenment thinker John Locke (Europe): "The end of law is, not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom."

Diverse empire versus individual European nation-states Russia remained primarily agricultural, with little urbanization. There was little artisan or merchant class in Russia. Focus was on military rather than wider commercial goals