World History / Unit 7: Absolutism, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
7.2 Absolutism in Russia and Central Europe
Notes
Rulers in eastern and central Europe also built strong, centralized states.
- Peter the Great of Russia (ruled 1682 to 1725) toured Western Europe and set out to westernize Russia: modernizing the army, building a navy and adopting Western technology.
- He built a new capital, St. Petersburg (founded 1703), as a "window on Europe," and even taxed men who kept traditional beards.
- He increased control over nobles and tightened serfdom.
- Catherine the Great (ruled 1762 to 1796) expanded Russia to the Black Sea.
- Prussia built a powerful army; Frederick the Great (ruled 1740 to 1786) made it a major power.
- Austria's Habsburg ruler Maria Theresa (ruled 1740 to 1780) strengthened her empire's government.
Practice
What was Peter the Great's main goal?
He wanted Russia to compete with Western European powers.
Why was St. Petersburg called Russia's "window on Europe"?
A Baltic port improved trade and contact with the West.
How did serfs fare under Peter the Great?
Westernization did not bring freedom to Russian peasants.
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