Peter the Great was one of the most famous czars in Russia, ruling from 1689 through 1725. Born in Moscow on June 9, 1672, Peter the Great was able to accomplish the incredible task of modernizing Russia. Due to his amazing talents, Russia was one of Europe’s leading countries during his reign. From wars to the multiple reforms he made, Peter the Great was able to successfully meet his primary goal: to expand and westernize Russia. Without him, Russia would have continued to be isolated and old-fashioned compared to the rest of Europe.
Peter the Great’s interest in war was greatly beneficial to Russia. Through most of the wars that Peter was involved in, he was able to acquire and create features that helped Russia prosper. For example, from 1700 through 1721, Russia was involved in its first major European conflict, the Great Northern War. As a result, Peter the Great had to make multiple preparations. He needed troops for his army, this meant that all of the new soldiers had to be trained and armed. A fleet for the Baltic and Black Seas was necessary when looking for a victory. These ships needed Muscovites, who needed special training, to sail them. Once accomplished, Peter the Great was able to defeat Charles XII of Sweden in Ukraine. Through the Peace of Naystadt in 1721, he acquired the Baltic coastline. It was there that Peter planned to open warm water ports. These ports led to a growth in manufacturing through the companies created by the state (Jay 1). Then in 1722 and 1723, Peter attacked Persia and conquered other territories along the Caspian Sea. These events had a significant impact on Russia. It caused an expansion in foreign trade and an increase in the country’s political influence (Cracraft 1). Through these events, Russia was increasing its interaction with others countries. This and the increase in trade can be connected to an increase in cultural diffusion. Russia was starting to become more influenced by the rest of Europe, thus transforming into a less isolated country. Peter the Great’s interest in war and the military led to many Russian successes in numerous areas.
Throughout Peter the Great's reign as czar, he was able to create an enormous amount of military and social changes. In order to accomplish all of the preparations needed for the Great Northern War, a large amount of funding and skilled people were needed. This then led to a numerous amount of reforms and policies. For example, the nobles, who were previously educated and practically glued to their land, were expected to attend school and serve in the military or for the state. Many of the aristocrats joined the Guards Regiment; it became very powerful and eventually made up the heart of Peter’s army. Peter was able to gain control over the Russian Orthodox Church. As a result, Peter’s financial help mostly came from the church during this time period (Jay 1). These social reforms caused many in the society to help and participate in state activities, thus making Russia stronger and more unified. The military and social reforms made by Peter the Great were crucial toward Russian westernization.
Political and cultural reforms were important in the advancement of Russia. Once Peter strengthened his power as czar, he created the senate to supervise Russian government while he was away at war. Peter thought that Russia’s government was “inefficient and corrupt” (Cracraft 1). Additionally, Peter did not believe in achieving status through heritage. As a result, he gave high military and administrative positions to people based on their merit and seniority; allowing many non-nobles to serve the state and increase their social status (Cracraft 1). Aside from all of his political changes, Peter the Great was able to accomplish many cultural reforms. Peter brought back many of the traditions that he learned from his trip in western Europe. After he returned, Peter created many secular schools in Russia, and changed the Russian alphabet to make it less complicated. He also established the first Russian newspaper (Gale 1). Women were given much more freedom; they did not have to wear the traditional veils that covered their faces. Women were able to marry of their own free will and mingle with other men also. Russian culture and politics continuously became more secularized and modernized as Peter’s desire to strengthen and westernize Russia increased.
Peter the Great was able to achieve multiple Russian accomplishments. Due his his love for the military, Peter was known for improving the Russian army, creating the navy, and making the government more efficient in raising money and troops to fill and fund them. Peter also created multiple programs, which led to the construction of new roads, canals, and much more (Cracraft 1). However, one of the most notable achievements of Peter the Great was the building of Saint Petersburg. Saint Petersburg was the symbol for New Russia, which was free from outdated traditions. Throughout Peter the Great’s reign, he was able to achieve many great successes for Russia.
Through the new military, wars, reforms and policies, Russia was extremely successful during Peter the Great’s reign. Unlike most leaders, he was not afraid to made radical reforms for the good of Russia. In the long run, these reforms were remarkably beneficial for Russia. By simply stepping out of traditional methods, Peter was able open Russia to the rest of Europe and westernize it. Without him, Russia would have continued with its traditional customs and isolation, thus falling behind the rest of the world.