Overview
This lecture covers the life, rule, and reforms of Peter the Great, focusing on his rise to power, military campaigns, westernization efforts, and legacy in transforming Russia into a major European power.
Early Life and Ascension
- Peter the Great was born in Moscow on June 9, 1672, to Tsar Alexis I and Natalia Naryshkina.
- After his father's death, Peter's half-brother Theodore became Tsar, but died young, throwing succession into turmoil.
- Peter was crowned Tsar at age 10, co-ruling with Ivan V under regency of his half-sister Sophia.
- Sophia controlled the government as regent for seven years, while Peter was mostly sidelined.
Challenges and Early Influences
- Peter survived violent uprisings, including the Streltsy revolt, which deeply affected him.
- He spent time learning military skills and Western customs, favoring merit-based promotion among his play regiments.
- Peter discovered a passion for shipbuilding and naval matters after finding a Western-style boat.
Path to Absolute Power
- The death of his mother and Ivan V allowed Peter to rule without regency.
- He initiated military reforms, built a modern navy, and sought to expand Russian access to the Black and Baltic Seas.
- Peter traveled incognito across Europe ("Grand Embassy") to learn Western technologies and recruit experts.
Military Campaigns and Reforms
- Early attempts to capture Azov from the Ottomans failed, but eventually succeeded, giving Russia access to the Black Sea.
- Fought the Great Northern War against Sweden, suffering early defeats but eventually founding St. Petersburg and securing Baltic territories.
- Implemented scorched earth tactics and modernized the army with Western training and discipline.
Westernization and Domestic Policies
- Forced Russian nobility to adopt Western dress and customs, including shaving beards and wearing Western clothing.
- Reformed the Russian calendar and currency to align with Western standards.
- Built St. Petersburg as the new capital, symbolizing Russia’s modernization.
Later Years and Legacy
- Established the Table of Ranks, enabling social mobility based on merit rather than birth.
- His estrangement from his son Alexei led to Alexei’s forced abdication, imprisonment, and death.
- Expanded Russian territory in the Baltic and briefly in the Caspian and Caucasus regions.
- Died in 1725, leaving a legacy as a transformative and sometimes ruthless reformer.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Streltsy — Elite Russian military corps, involved in several uprisings.
- Regent — A person appointed to govern because the monarch is a minor or absent.
- Grand Embassy — Peter’s diplomatic and educational journey across Europe (1697–98).
- Great Northern War — Conflict (1700–1721) in which Russia fought Sweden for Baltic dominance.
- Table of Ranks — System allowing service-based promotion in Russian government and military.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and outcomes of the Great Northern War.
- Study the Table of Ranks and its impact on Russian society.
- Read about the construction and significance of St. Petersburg.