Peter the Great

Ivan the Terrible His wife was poisoned and he grew angry Police force hunted those he thought were responsible –Thousands were killed –Even had his own son killed

Romanov After Ivan died there was turmoil Representatives of Russia chose Michael Romanov as the new Czar Czar from the word… Caesar (Rome)

Boyars and Serfs Boyars (Nobles) Serfs (Slaves) Much of Russia knew nothing of Western Europe (Mongols isolated them) Summertime European visitors had limited contact with Russian people

Peter Visits Europe Peter is fascinated with modern tools and western technology Believed Russia needed a warm water port for the future 1697 he traveled to Western Europe and learned about European customs and manufacturing techniques

Reforms of Peter 1.Brought the Church under state control 2.Reduced the power of Boyars and promoted men of lesser authority to power 3.Modernized the military 4.Imposed heavy taxes to pay for increased military

Westernization Potatoes…… Newspapers Increased women’s social status Encouraged western clothing Schools of navigation, arts and sciences Forced subjects to leave Russia and learn about the outside world Vodka

St. Petersburg Created a seaport to make travel to Europe easier Fought war with Sweden to gain territory Forced serfs to build city Moved capital from Moscow to St. Pete and forced boyars to move there