1. Peter I, 1672-1725 Childhood (1672- 1689): Violent struggle among relatives Sophia’s reign gave him time and western exposure Focused on the West

2. Images of European Monarchs Kneller’s Peter I, 1698Kneller’s James II, 1684

3. Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, b. 1629, r. 1645-1676 Nikitin’s Peter I, 1715 Alexis I, 1670s

4. The empire expands, 1533-1894

5. Peter’s Grand Embassy, 1697-1698 Initial goal: to widen and strengthen Holy League against the Ottoman Empire. Also to hire foreign skilled workers and soldiers. Bring back new technology. “Peter Mikhailov” – Loathed formality – Security – absence

6. Moscow Streltsy Revolt of 1698

7. Peter’s reforms The West (more Northwest) impressed Peter Ordered nobles to cut off beards (or 100 ruble beard tax) and wear West European clothes. Called for end to arranged marriages. The year 7207 declared to be 1700 (Julian calendar). Westernized much of the former Muscovite state – goal: a well regulated state: – Boyar council to Senate – Prikaz to Kollegii

8. Peter’s reforms 1722: Table of Ranks Followed Prussian, Danish, and Swedish examples. Only service rank gave eminence in society, regardless of origins. Attempted to encourage promotion by merit, but not merit alone. “Boyars” continued to dominate the upper-ranks. Privileged military rank. Ordered a growing bureaucracy and army.

9. Peter’s religious reforms Not anti-religious, equally suspicious of monks and the godless. Brought the church under state control, but in the name of the faith. 1721: Created the “Most Holy Governing Synod,” “for better administration.”

10. The Great Northern War, 1700-1721 Russia, Denmark-Norway, Polish-Lithuania and Saxony against Sweden Prize: control of Baltic Sea region A very long war, 29 set battles Charles XII (b. 1682, r. 1697-1718) and his army dominated early. Battle of Poltava, 1709: key victory, but did not end the war; dragged on and on… Concluded by Treaty of Nystadt, 1721: Russia gained southeast Finland and the Baltic region (Baltic Germans).

12. Peter’s City Founded in 1703 at Ingria (former Swedish province). Saint Petersburg, “Piter” Imperial capital, 1713–1728, 1732–1918 Conscripted serfs and Swedish prisoners of war to build the city.

13. Map of St. Petersburg

14. The Bronze Horseman Петру перьвому Екатерина вторая, лето 1782 (From Catherine the Second to Peter the First, summer 1782)

15. Alexei Petrovich, 1690-1718 Born 1690, son of Peter’s first wife: Eudoxia Estranged from Peter, but western education. 1703: ordered as army private to war (bombardier). Peter demanded he become the first servant of Russia 1711: Married Charlotte Christine of Brunswick- Lüneburg (sister-in-law of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI) Charlotte bore Natalia and then Peter (1715), died shortly after the latter’s birth. 1716 fled to Vienna; 1718 convinced to return to Moscow. Tortured, confessed, knouted to death. Peter: “For my fatherland and people I have never spared my life and do not spare it now, so how can I spare a vile creature like you?”

16. Alexei Petrovich, 1690-1718

17. Peter’s legacy (died 1725) Fought many battles, but gained little. Inspired some innovation Increased state order, though still lots of chaos. Made peasants’ situations worse (legally more than economically). Turned the empire resolutely West. Created schizophrenic “Russian” mind: Western but not Western.