Peter the Great: Russia Absolutism Peter the Great: Russia

Russia's Absolute Monarch Peter the Great Russia's Absolute Monarch

Peter the Great Ruled until 1696 The Russian Church and the nobles, called Boyars, were two prime targets Major goal was the Westernization of Russia

Russia Before Peter the Great Lacked an ice-free port which hindered trade and communication with Europe Mongol influence of about 250 years: Russia developed the idea of strong man rule which would last into the 20th century (1992)

Westernization & Modernization Created a stronger Russian army that could obtain his “window on the West” Needed access to Black Sea as well as access to the Baltic Sea

Westernization & Modernization

Westernization & Modernization Unlike Western Europe, serfdom still existed in Russia and was very widespread Serfs could be bought and sold like slaves

He visited almost every factory, museum & printing press Peter’s Reforms Grand Embassy took Peter to Holland, Venice & England to learn as much as he could so he could strengthen Russia and her army He visited almost every factory, museum & printing press

Peter’s Reforms Peter made the following changes to Russia once he returned to Russia: The Russian Church came under Peter’s direct control Non-serfs: required to serve the state in the government or military nobility did not guarantee any high positions

Peter’s Reforms Encouraged industrialization and provided government money for companies to start making products the army needed

Peter’s Reforms Eastern fashions were prohibited men could not wear beards Newspaper created to help the increase in literacy and exchange ideas

Peter’s Reforms Peter built his new capital, St. Petersburg on Swedish lands on the Baltic Sea provided the ice-free port that Russia had desired for so long

The peasant stayed outside looking in while the nobility continued to enjoy a privilege – *this gap between classes would have dire consequences for Russia’s future

Enlightened Despots (Kings) Frederick the Great Prussia (1740 – 1786)

Enlightened Despots (Kings) Frederick the Great Prussia (1740 – 1786) “First Servant of the State” Religious Tolerance “Heaven in his own Fashion”

Joseph II Enlightened Despots Holy Roman Empire ( 1765 – 1790 ) “The Peasant Emperor” Went out to the Pubs undercover… Extended Tolerance to Protestants and Jews Ended Censorship Sold Monasteries and Convents Ended Serfdom

ABSOLUTE MONARCH TRADING CARDS {pt. I} Henry IV Cardinal Richelieu Louis XIV Maria Theresa Frederick the Great Stuarts Oliver Cromwell William and Mary Peter the Great