Peter the Great Czar of Russia, a giant of a man nearly 7 feet tall Accomplishments: Westernized Russia, “a wannabe” Strengthened the military; expand borders Pushed through social/economic reforms Improved the infrastructure of Russia

Peter the Great, cont. An autocratic ruler: Showed no mercy for anyone who resisted his order in Russia (execution of 1,000 palace guards). Serfdom spread in Russia during his rule in order to achieve the ‘progress’ that he wanted (worked to build St. Petersburg).

Peter the Great, continued Expansion under Peter: Searched for a warm water port along the Black Sea; not successful in defeating the Ottoman Empire. War with Sweden to gain land along the Baltic Sea; would eventually build St. Petersburg there after thousands of serfs drained the swamps. St. Petersburg was a symbol of “modern” Russia that Peter wanted. Invited architects and artists to design great palaces in western style.

Catherine the Great Peter died without naming a successor and various Romanovs sought power. Catherine was a German princess and came to Russia at 15 to wed Czar Peter III. He was mysteriously murdered. Became an autocratic ruler, similar to Peter; serfs suffered under her rule.

Catherine the Great, continued Accomplishments: Reorganized the government Sponsored education for boys and girls Embraced western ideas Secured a warm water port for Russia on the Black Sea Seized territory from Poland