Free Response Question: Peter and Catherine the Great

Free Response Question:

Analyze the methods and degrees of success of Russian political and social reform
from the period of Peter the Great (1689–1725) through Catherine the Great
(1762–1796).

Thesis: During the reign in Russia of Peter the Great, 1689 to 1725, and Catherine the Great, 1762 to 1796, they both instituted many reforms focusing on improving the country to a more powerful level by modernizing it in ways such as Peter creating the city of St. Petersburg, strengthening the military, and implementing stately manners for people of the court while Catherine focused much of her attention on expanding the empire.

Outline

Peter the Great

- Built St. Petersburg in roughly 9 years

- Increased the army’s size

- Created a navy

- Traveled Europe and learned carpentry, seaman ship, and fortresses

- Extremely interested in western Europe and their modern styles

Catherine the Great

- Focused mainly on expanding the Russian Empire

- Around 200,000 miles added

- Fought with the Ottoman Empire and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

During the 17^th and 18^th century, while most of Europe was progressing along nicely, Russia was struggling. That is until the reign of Peter the Great. This man was one of the strongest rulers Russia had ever seen who lead Russia into the modern era of the world. During the reign in Russia of Peter the Great, 1689 to 1725, and Catherine the Great, 1762 to 1796, they both instituted many reforms focusing on improving the country to a more powerful level by modernizing it in ways such as Peter creating the city of St. Petersburg, strengthening the military, and implementing stately manners for people of the court, while Catherine focused much of her attention on expanding the empire and patronizing the arts.

During one of Peter the Great’s several wars, he started the creation of St. Petersburg. It was built on the basis of Peter and Paul fortress that was used to fight the Swedes. Because of its position, it cost much man power, money, and supplies to build. With the climate being as it was, and food and housing not in good supply, many soldiers and peasants died in the city’s creation. However, it soon became the capital of Russia due to the hatred Peter the Great had for Moscow. He had the nobility live in St. Petersburg several times throughout the year so he could keep track of them. This new capital soon became the “Window to the West”. From his rule in St. Petersburg, Peter the Great could easily keep track with the modern times in Western Europe and implement them into Russian society. As many of his reforms took place, Peter the Great was creating a new leading power in Europe.

Not only did Peter the Great build a new capital, but he also strengthened his military and tried to change Russian society. One of the reasons for the new capital was that it was located on the Neva River which enabled Peter to create a navy. Building a navy was a goal of Peter’s and he spent several months learning how to build and sail in order to possess a strong navy. With the help of Dutch shipmasters, Peter the Great was able to accomplish his goal of creating a navy even if the port was frozen for part of the year. Not only was he interested in military affairs, but that of political affairs as well. He made everyone change their habits to incorporate more European ideas. This included having everyone shave and trim their beards. Peter even took the liberty to cut them himself. Since he wanted to be a European power, he tried to make everyone act the part of a leading power in Europe. During his reign, Peter the Great undoubtly made the country stronger; however some of his reforms caused the poorer citizens of Russia to take an even bigger hit, making it harder for them to support themselves. It is said that royal families called the Boyars, consisting of 200-300 families, owned roughly 40,000 serfs alone. With statistics like this, even if the country is strong, overall, the country has a weak internal structure that if not pleased or satisfied, will cause problems in the future.

After the rule of Peter the Great was that of Catherine the Great. She took control of the empire from her husband, Peter III, and continued to improvise and build up the reforms of Peter the Great. Without Peter the Great to create the reforms and Catherine the Great to continue them, Russia would not be the same to this day. Catherine focused much of her power on expanding the territorial boundaries and creating a smarter more intellectual country. She was a great diplomat who was able to make Russia an important figure in international affairs. Catherine was a patron of the arts and so encouraged and helped build libraries, museums, and academies. From the strength of the Russian empire left to her by Peter the Great, Catherine the Great was able to take it one step further in making it a leading power in Europe.

The reigns of both Peter and Catherine the Great were important eras in Russian history. Without these two great figures, Russia may not be where it is to this day. Peter focused on a stronger more modernized Russia and Catherine built upon his ideas to make it that much better. These two monarchs are responsible for creating an entire new capital, modernizing the entire country, and improvising the state of the citizens with more land and new universities. These two powerful figures were successful in their attempt to reform and create a modern Russia.