Absolute Monarchy In Russia

Section 17*5pp. 431-435

Preview Questions

How did Peter the Great try to make Russia into a modern state?

What steps did Peter the Great take to expand Russia's borders?

How did Catherine the Great strengthen Russia?

Setting the Scene

Russia was a medieval state in the 1600’s

“Time of Troubles”

Romanovs came to power in 1613

Peter the Great (1689-1725)

Government – Absolute ruler– Strengthened government– Took power from nobles– Spread serfdom

Peter the Great (1689-1725)

Reforms – Improved education – New industries– Encouraged trade

Wars– Largest army in

Europe– Conquered land

along Baltic

Peter the Great (1689-1725)

Ideas from Western Europe– St. Petersburg– Forced western

dress

Peter the Great (1689-1725)

Catherine the Great (1762-1796)

Government – Absolute ruler– Organized

government– Gave more rights to

nobles– Allowed peasants to

suffer

Reforms– System of laws– State schools for

children

Catherine the Great (1762-1796)

Wars– Conquered warm

weather port– Seized territory from

Poland

Catherine the Great (1762-1796)

Ideas from Western Europe: – Encouraged Western

European ways– French language and

way of life

Catherine the Great (1762-1796)