The Expansion of Russia, 1700–1800

The Expansion of Russia, 1700–1800

Peter the Great and Modernisation

  • Peter the Great ruled from 1672 to 1725, leading Russia into a period of modernisation.
  • He introduced western European technology and administrative techniques to Russia, influencing both society and state institutions.
  • Reforms extended military, political, social, and religious aspects, with Peter determined to westernise and strengthen Russia.

Military Reforms

  • Peter the Great undertook extensive military reforms, building a professional standing army and modernising the navy.
  • These changes helped Russia secure victory in the Great Northern War against Sweden, projecting the emergent Russian state as a major European power.

Administrative Reforms

  • Peter restructured the central government, reducing the power of traditional elites and implementing meritocratic principles.
  • Provincial administration was overhauled, replacing traditional territorial units with new provinces to improve governance.
  • Abolishing the patriarchate, he instituted a Holy Synod to control the church, leading to a strengthening of autocracy under Tsarist rule.

Societal Changes

  • Peter tried to change Russian society and culture to a more western style, with reforms influencing clothing, education, and religious practices.
  • Burdens fell largely onto the peasant and serf populations. Modernisation necessitated heavy taxes and forced labour, causing popular discontent and rebellion.
  • Table of Ranks was introduced, allowing non-nobles to serve in civil or military roles and ascend the social rank based on merit, fostering a new class of service nobility.

Territorial Expansion

  • Expansion under Peter the Great was primarily westward in order to gain access to the Baltic and Black seas.
  • The Great Northern War (1700-1721) resulted in the acquisition of Estonia, Livonia, and part of Karelia, providing Russia with a ‘Window to the West’.
  • Russia’s continued expansion during the 18th century led to conflicts with the Ottoman Empire and Persia in the south and west, and with China in the east.

Catherine the Great and Continued Expansion

  • Catherine the Great (1762-1796) continued Peter’s modernisation process, consolidating Russia’s westernisation.
  • She engaged in the three Partitions of Poland (1772, 1793, and 1795) alongside Prussia and Austria, effectively eliminating the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
  • Further expansionism under Catherine led to the acquisition of Crimea from the Ottoman Empire, extending Russian influence over the Black Sea region.

Aftermath and Legacy

  • The 18th century expansion saw Russia emerge as a leading power in Eastern Europe, with increased influence in Asian territories.
  • Its expansionism brought it into conflicts with other empires, necessitating a strong military and centralised administration.
  • The attempts to westernise and modernise shaped Russia’s development significantly, defining its historic transition from an isolated Eurasian power to a significant player in global politics.