Peter the Great's Reforms
The First Russian Emperor Revolutionized and Westernized Russia
Westernization was on Peter the Great's agenda for Russia's course in history. He reformed government, made changes in the church, and influenced Russian society.
Peter the Great's influence upon Russian history cannot be underestimated. His reforms Westernized Russia even while they strengthened traditional institutions like the monarchy and the feudal system. Peter the Great revolutionized the way government, religion, class, military, and women's roles would function in the Russian Empire.
Peter the Great's Reforms – Government
Peter the Great secured more power for himself, and changed his title from “tsar” to “emperor.” He also eliminated the duma body, made up of boyars, and replaced it with a Western-style senate. To put Russia on a path of progress, Peter the Great initialized the development of institutions, like technical colleges and academies, of which the government had oversight. The seat of the Russian government also changed – with the founding of St. Petersburg, the capital city was moved from Moscow to Peter's “Window to the West.”
Peter the Great's Reforms – Religion
Eastern Orthodoxy and the power of the church had long played an important role of authority in Russia. The Orthodox Church was, by Peter the Great's decree, suddenly under government supervision by the appointment of the so-called Chief Procurator, who was a secular representative of the government within the Church.
Peter the Great's Reforms – Class Structure
Peter the Great's Table of Ranks would haunt noblemen, civil servants, and literary protagonists for decades. The fourteen ranks established a system of class order that depended more upon an individual's government service than birthright. Each rank carried with it a special uniform. Moving up in rank was of utmost importance to the nobleman of Petrine Russia, because it afforded him greater respect, more authority, and luxuries and privileges not offered to those belonging to lower ranks.
Peter the Great's Reforms – Military
Having a well-oiled military machine was one of Peter the Great's top priorities. He founded the Russian Navy, opened military academies, strengthened the army, and appointed diplomats.
Peter the Great's Reforms – Women in Society
Prior to Peter the Great's Westernization of Russia, Russian women lived in relative seclusion. When women appeared in public, they traditionally wore garments that covered their bodies entirely, except for the face. Russian women of upper classes even lived in separate sections of their families' houses. Peter the Great started a girls' educational academy, encouraged Western fashion sensibilities (including low-cut dresses and corsets), and brought women into society by popularizing balls and other social events.
Peter the Great made changes to Russia that would forever alter its course in history and the way its citizens would act, interact, and react. His legacy lasted until the abdication of Nicholas II in 1917.
References
Figes, Orlando. Natasha's Dance: A Cultural History of Russia New York: Picador, 2002.
Valliere, Paul. Change and Tradition in Russian Civilization. Westland: Hayden-McNeil Publishing, Inc., 1995.
