Peter+the+Great

Hailey Edmondson

Analyze the ways in which Tsar Peter the Great (1689-1725) sought to reform his society and its institutions in order to stengthen Russia and its position in Europe.

Government Reforms:
 * Local government
 * Allowed towns to elect their own officials and stimulate trade
 * Divided Russia into districts to decrease the size and power of the provincial government
 * Pursued a mercantilist economy
 * poll tax- tax on "heads"
 * tried to make Russia a commercial nation with joint stock companies, monopolies, etc.
 * Eliminated power of Russian Orthodox church
 * replaced by group of bishops known as the Holy Synod
 * Raised taxes to support military spending and reforms

Social Reforms:
 * Great Embassy
 * went to the west with advisors to bring back western culture
 * Opposed by the streltsy (did not want reforms)
 * Tired to make Russia look modern
 * banned long beards, coats, and womens' veilings
 * Table of Ranks
 * all landowners had to engage in state service
 * Encouraged marriage for love and out of free choice

Military Reforms:
 * Increased military size and competence
 * Added a navy (to control and protect the Baltic Sea)
 * Soldiers now had training, uniforms, and a unit to be a part of

THESIS: By increasing the size and strength of the military, encouraging local government, and introducing western customs into Russia, Peter the Great strengthened the country's place on the global scale and pulled it into the modern world.

[]