The Rise of Russia and Prussia: Crash Course European History #17

Crash Course European History: The Rise of Peter the Great

Introduction to Key Players

• John Green introduces the focus on two significant states during the 17th century: Russia and Brandenburg-Prussia, highlighting their ambitions for expansion.

• Emphasis on Russia's quest for stability post-Troubles and the rise of Brandenburg-Prussia as a powerful entity.

The Early Life of Peter I

• Peter I, born in 1672, was not initially first in line for the throne; his half-sister Sophia ruled as regent.

• Political power dynamics involved various interest groups including the Orthodox Church, Army, aristocracy, and wealthy traders influencing succession.

Ascension to Power

• Peter became Tsar with support from advisers and powerful factions rather than through direct inheritance.

• The relationship between rulers and subjects is complex; even autocratic governments require public support to maintain authority.

State Building Initiatives

• Peter restructured military and nobility, creating a merit-based system through a table of ranks that rewarded service to the state.

• He diminished the power of the Orthodox Church by leaving its patriarch position vacant and establishing a council led by laypeople.

Western Influence and Modernization Efforts

• Peter's curiosity about Western Europe drove him to study advancements in military technology, architecture, and urban planning during his travels.

• His return from Western Europe sparked determination to modernize Russia; he faced internal resistance exemplified by uprisings against poor conditions.

Military Reforms and Conflicts

• After returning from abroad, Peter crushed an uprising (the streltsy), which allowed him to establish a modern fighting force with around 200,000 recruits.

• Initial defeats against Sweden were followed by strategic alliances leading to victory in the Great Northern War by 1721.

Urban Development: St. Petersburg

• Following military successes, Peter founded St. Petersburg as a European-style city with access to the Baltic Sea using serf labor at great human cost.

• The city was designed with cultural institutions reflecting Western ideals; reforms also aimed at changing women's societal roles.

Conclusion: Lasting Impact of Reforms

The Impact of Peter the Great on Russian Society

Modernization and Education

• Peter the Great emphasized education in math, science, and engineering for sons of aristocrats, linking these subjects to military officer requirements.

• He founded various schools, including military institutions and educational facilities for women to learn reading and writing.

• A significant cultural shift occurred as Peter mandated that men shave their beards to align with modern European standards.

Social Changes and Paradoxes

• Despite promoting a refined image, Peter exhibited roughness and violence, contrasting with his vision of an ideal citizenry.

• The lives of serfs worsened under new regulations aimed at securing noble loyalty; they lost rights and faced increased brutality from landowners.

• While some serfs became skilled artisans contributing to upper-class culture, most endured harsh labor conditions without protection.

The Complexity of Modernization

• The modernization efforts did not equate to empowerment for vulnerable populations; this raises questions about the true nature of modernization's benefits.

• Historical impacts varied significantly based on social standing—some gained knowledge while others suffered under oppressive systems.

Brandenburg-Prussia: Rise of a Kingdom

Historical Context

• During this period, Brandenburg-Prussia was led by the Hohenzollern family, evolving from a small holding into a significant kingdom despite being initially landlocked.

Key Figures in Prussian History

• Frederick William, known as the Great Elector, played a crucial role in unifying territories during the Thirty Years' War while defending against Swedish attacks.

• Following Sweden's decline, Poland granted Prussia royal status; Frederick William's son later became King Frederick I.

Military Focus and Governance

• Frederick I embodied traits typical of affluent European monarchies; however, his successor King Frederick William I took a starkly different approach focused on militarization.

• The Great Elector recognized Brandenburg-Prussia’s vulnerability due to its lack of natural boundaries and prioritized military fortification for survival.

Nobility Control Over Peasants

• To consolidate power, Frederick William weakened representative bodies while allowing nobles greater control over peasant lives through additional regulations (reinu).

Institutional Development

• This strategy mirrored practices in Russia where monarchies exchanged noble privileges for military service.

The Rise of Prussia and Russia: State Building Strategies

Recruitment and Military Strength

• Frederick William I focused on recruiting soldiers, specifically seeking individuals who were at least 6 feet tall from across Europe to enhance military strength.

• To bolster the army, he sold off luxurious possessions inherited from his father, including silver and artworks.

The Nature of State Power

• The construction of a state or empire requires convincing both internal and external audiences of its legitimacy and power.

• States utilize treaties, national anthems, histories, and robust governmental structures to reinforce their authority and reduce vulnerability to attacks.

Effective State Building in Prussia and Russia

• The rising monarchies of Prussia and Russia excelled in state-building efforts that significantly influenced the future landscape of Europe.

• Poland-Lithuania's decline was partly due to its ineffective constitutional system where nobility prioritized personal gain over strengthening government institutions.

Political Organization Challenges

• In contrast to Poland-Lithuania, Prussia and Russia organized political power more effectively, which contributed to their stability despite existing problems.

Transitioning Towards Enlightenment