Crash Course European History: 17th Century Russian and Prussian Expansion

Key Figures:

• Zar Peter I of Russia (Peter the Great)

  • Became an influential Russian monarch, known for his towering height (6'9").
  • Pursued state reforms, military reorganization, and territorial expansion.
  • Focused on Westernization and modernization.
  • Built St. Petersburg, a European-style city.

• House of Brandenburg-Prussia

  • Grew from a small state to a powerful kingdom.
  • Influenced by leaders like the Great Elector Frederick William and King Frederick William I.
  • Established strong military institutions.

Russia in the 17th Century:

• Political Dynamics

  • Peter's rise to power involved negotiation with various interest groups in Russia.
  • The Orthodox Church, Army, aristocracy, and traders were key influencers.

• Reforms by Peter the Great

  • Reorganized military and nobility based on service to the state.
  • Created a standing army of approximately 200,000 recruits.
  • Introduced meritocracy within the aristocracy with a table of ranks.
  • Reformed Russian Orthodox Church governance by leaving the patriarch's post vacant.
  • Advocated Westernization in technologies and cultural practices.

• Western Influence and Modernization

  • Peter's admiration for Western Europe led him to adopt Western technologies and cultural practices.
  • After visiting Western Europe, Peter returned with ideas for modernizing Russia.

• Military Engagements

  • Engaged in the Great Northern War, initially losing to Sweden but later defeating them.
  • Formed alliances with Denmark and Poland.

• Social and Cultural Changes

  • Promoted education in sciences and mathematics.
  • Encouraged the abolition of traditional practices like veiling of women and wearing of beards.
  • Impact on serfs: Increased hardships and tied them more firmly to land.

Prussia in the 17th Century:

• Rise of Prussia

  • Prussia's evolution into a powerful state involved fortifying borders and military strengthening.
  • The Great Elector Frederick William consolidated lands and reduced the power of representative bodies.

• Military Focus

  • Prussian military became highly modern under Frederick William I, focusing on recruiting tall soldiers.
  • Sold off luxury assets to fund military expansion.

• Administrative Reforms

  • Establishment of the General Directory to manage state operations for military benefits.

• Social Structure

  • Reinforced noble control over peasantry.
  • Nobility's power exchange for military service mirrored Russian policies.

Discussion Points

• The complexity of absolutist governments and their reliance on support from various institutions.
• Modernization's varied impact on different social classes.
• The ongoing question of whether modernization equates to increased protection for the vulnerable.

Conclusion

• Both Russia and Prussia were effective in state-building, setting the stage for their future influence in European politics.
• The downfall of Poland-Lithuania contrasted with the successful consolidation of power in Russia and Prussia.
• Upcoming focus on the Enlightenment period in Europe.

Note: These notes summarize the key points of the lecture on the 17th century expansion of Russia and Prussia, highlighting the political, social, and military developments during this period.