Aim: What were the limitations of centralization and westernization in Czarist Russia?

“ Russia has never been a nation state, but always an empire, with Muskovy gradually expanding its borders since the 15th century. Russia built a state as it built its empire; the two were inseparable. ”

Use of Cossack settlers – nation-building? Free “ Russian ” peasants vs. nomadic peoples

Russian boundaries at their greatest extent (19th century)

Comparing centralization – Russian state played “ catch-up ” to other absolutist states Mongols encouraged centralization – to their regret Control over Russian Orthodox Church – Avvakum Asserted authority: “ Czar ” – Caesar (Russia as the “ Third Rome ” )

Russian state - nobility relations From “ Chosen Council ” (Ivan) to “ Table of Ranks ” (Peter) – asserted control over loyal nobility; abolition of boyars Oprichnina – confiscation of large estates and oprichniki – new aristocracy, loyal to the Czar “ The Czar himself was an energetic servant of the state ” – Peter had his own “ weak ” son executed Supported nobles control over their own estates – increased serfdom. Reasons? Vast extent of empire made it harder to control; support of nobility crucial - compare with Ottoman Janissaries

“ Compared to the shoguns, Russia ’ s czars were more open to outside influences…. ” St. Petersburg

Russian “ Westernization ” “ Germantown ” in Moscow: foreigners area – shows fascination yet control Technological modernization: military reform: Russian navy; industrial development under state guidance Western culture; Peter shaves nobles ’ beards Bureaucratic reform St. Petersburg – easy access to western Europe; a new city w/ new ways, not tradition

“ Compared to the shoguns, Russia ’ s czars were more open to outside influences, yet they too sought to control the introduction of ideas from western Europe. ”

St. Petersburg Moscow Western Europe

Russian “ Westernization ” “ Germantown ” in Moscow: foreigners area – shows fascination yet control St. Petersburg – easy access to western Europe; a new city w/ new (western) ways, not tradition Technological modernization: military reform: Russian navy; industrial development under state guidance Western culture: Peter shaves nobles ’ beards

Limits on “ Westernization ” Serfdom remained Restrictions on social mobility limited power of merchant class Nobility remained powerful: “ Table of Ranks ” vs. western centralized bureaucracy Traded w/ west through St. Petersburg, but as a “ periphery ” - natural resources for higher technology goods