2. Rise of RussiaRise of Russia
• Russia ruled by absoluteRussia ruled by absolute
monarchs called czarsmonarchs called czars
(Tsars).(Tsars).
• Russians practiced EasternRussians practiced Eastern
Orthodox Christianity. (notOrthodox Christianity. (not
Catholic or Protestant)Catholic or Protestant)
• Russia long isolated fromRussia long isolated from
western Europe andwestern Europe and
technologically andtechnologically and
culturally backward – Mostculturally backward – Most
Russians were still serfs.Russians were still serfs.
3. Peter the GreatPeter the Great
(Ruled 1689-1725)(Ruled 1689-1725)
• 1689: Peter I (the1689: Peter I (the
Great) became czarGreat) became czar
(Tsar) – An energetic(Tsar) – An energetic
but brutal man whobut brutal man who
exercised absoluteexercised absolute
personal control inpersonal control in
Russia.Russia.
• Peter was determinedPeter was determined
to modernize histo modernize his
country and make itcountry and make it
more like Europe.more like Europe.
4. – Peter spent 1 ½ yearsPeter spent 1 ½ years
touring Europe andtouring Europe and
visiting shipyards,visiting shipyards,
factories, andfactories, and
laboratorieslaboratories
– Peter forced his subjectsPeter forced his subjects
to adopt Europeanto adopt European
clothing and customs (noclothing and customs (no
more beards!)more beards!)
5. – Sent young Russians to Europe to beSent young Russians to Europe to be
trained and educatedtrained and educated
– Built new capital of St. Petersburg nearBuilt new capital of St. Petersburg near
Baltic Sea as “window to Europe”Baltic Sea as “window to Europe”
6. Peter’s Reforms andPeter’s Reforms and
AccomplishmentsAccomplishments
– Won land for Russia along Baltic Sea (warm-Won land for Russia along Baltic Sea (warm-
water ports)water ports)
7. – Encouraged growth of Russian industry andEncouraged growth of Russian industry and
exports (mercantilism)exports (mercantilism)
– Took personal control of Russian OrthodoxTook personal control of Russian Orthodox
ChurchChurch
– Created Russia’s first large, professionalCreated Russia’s first large, professional
army and navyarmy and navy
– Ended isolation of women from public lifeEnded isolation of women from public life
8. • Although many ofAlthough many of
his reforms werehis reforms were
unsuccessful orunsuccessful or
short-lived, Petershort-lived, Peter
did succeed indid succeed in
making Russiamaking Russia
and importantand important
European powerEuropean power
