Russia, 17th century. The worldview, customs and morals, as well as religious beliefs in the state are conservative and unchanging. They seemed frozen, like a fly in amber. And they could have remained this fly for another half a thousand years if... If an active and active, inquisitive and restless young man, interested in everything in the world and not afraid of work, had not come to the helm. Whom we, descendants, call “Peter I”. And abroad they call our sovereign nothing less than “Great.”
Regarding “or”.
It seems to me that the characterization is so
There shouldn’t be any “or” for a personality that is large-scale in cultural and historical terms for all of Russia. Oppositions are good in clear things. Stupid or smart, tall or short, black or white. “Reformer or tyrant” is a fundamentally incorrect definition. When reforming something, as well as restoring and repairing, you cannot do without “sacrifices”. To tidy up the walls old kitchen, wash away old whitewash, tearing off dirty wallpaper. At the end of the renovation, everything is beautiful, bright, clean and new. But do remnants of old wallpaper thrown in the trash think so?
Perhaps the above comparison is a bit harsh in relation to
global changes that Peter I made in Russian society, but it is quite eloquent. And then, why: “tyrant”? Did he, like the Bolshevik “reformers” of the 20th century, burn, shoot, slaughter, “nationalize” and execute “enemies of the people”? His “barbering” is mere trifle compared to genuine tyranny and authoritarianism.
All the reforms, carried out with such pressure and thirst for improvement by the young, maximalist-minded emperor, were aimed at “promoting” (as they say now) the country entrusted to him. Raise her to new level, “to bring into the light”, to bring him closer to the benefits and achievements of civilization, which he himself had seen enough of since his youth in Europe.
For the most part, the people and the “bearded merchants” grumbled because of external changes that were not so important or fundamental. Changing the caftan, shortening beards, introducing foreign dishes into the diet and holidays into the calendar. That which split the “amber” and released the fly from the “crampedness, but no offense” into the fresh air.
Serious reforms affecting career advancement, some equalization in the rights of all worthy, smart and skillful people, could not bring anything other than real benefits for the cultural and intellectual life of the state.
If earlier “every cricket” not only knew, but also sat, as if glued, on its “pole,” now thousands of people were given the opportunity to find a use for themselves to their liking. Not only hereditary carpenters, in the 7th generation, could do carpentry. But the peasants, if they have their will, desire, and real abilities. The same goes for trade, jewelry, shipping, engineering... whatever you take on. Is it really worth arguing about the beneficial influence of Peter’s reforms on the development of all of the above crafts?
Marriages that could combine people of different classes. Isn't there any benefit here? This question, however, is more controversial.
In conclusion, I would like to say that Peter I, in my opinion, is not a tyrant or a despot. He tried to be fair. And, for the most part, he succeeded.
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Peter I is one of the most striking and controversial figures in Russian history; she still causes controversy among historians regarding the results and methods of government. Peter's reforms were contradictory: on the one hand, he sought to advance Russia along the path of progress, on the other, he did this using barbaric methods, at the cost of enormous sacrifices and suffering of the people.
Peter the Great, with his reforms, contributed to the development of all aspects of society. He developed industrial production in the economy, building manufactories, and pursued a policy of protectionism, that is, supporting domestic production by introducing high import duties. In addition, a trade charter was drawn up and the port was moved from Arkhangelsk to St. Petersburg. Changes also occurred in the military field. Reorganization of the army, introduction of recruitment, creation of military educational institutions and charters, the construction of the fleet led to the fact that Russia became an empire that undoubtedly could not be ignored in Europe.
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Modernization of the management system (creation of the Senate, collegiums, division of the country into provinces) strengthened secular power in Russia and the autocracy of the autocrat.
At the same time, getting acquainted with European achievements during the Great Embassy of 1697-1698. Peter remained indifferent to the ideas of parliamentarism, since he believed that they were unacceptable in Russia. He ruled the country using purely dictatorial methods, causing protest in different sectors of society. Uprisings broke out repeatedly: Arkhangelsk (1705–1706), Bashkir (1704–1711), K. Bulavin’s uprising (1707–1708). Tsarevich Alexei also spoke out against his father, for which he was executed. The most beautiful city in Russia, the “paradise” of Peter - St. Petersburg was actually built on bones, since over one hundred thousand people died during its construction. Traditions and folk foundations that had developed over centuries were mercilessly broken. All these sacrifices were to achieve the main goal - the creation of a great Russia.
P.N. Miliukov believed that the reforms were carried out by Peter haphazardly, from case to case, under the pressure of specific circumstances, and that only “at the cost of ruining the country was Russia elevated to the rank of a European power.” Famous historian S.M. Soloviev thought differently. He believed that the appearance of the reformer king was predetermined by history itself: “... the people rose up and got ready for the road; but they were waiting for someone; They were waiting for the leader, and the leader appeared.”
Thus we can conclude that at the beginning of the 18th century. Russia needed reforms, otherwise it would have remained a backward country. Reforms always cause discontent in society, and only a strong, integral personality could cope with resistance.
Updated: 2018-02-20
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Russia, 17th century. The worldview, customs and morals, as well as religious beliefs in the state are conservative and unchanging. They seemed frozen, like a fly in amber. And they could have remained this fly for another half a thousand years if... If an active and active, inquisitive and restless young man, interested in everything in the world and not afraid of work, had not come to the helm. Whom we, descendants, call “Peter I”. And abroad they call our sovereign nothing less than “Great.”
Regarding "or".
It seems to me that there should be no “or” in a characterization of such a large-scale personality in cultural and historical terms for all of Russia. Oppositions are good in clear things. Stupid or smart, tall or short, black or white. “Reformer or tyrant” is a fundamentally incorrect definition. When reforming something, as well as restoring and repairing, you cannot do without “sacrifices”. To tidy up the walls in an old kitchen, wash off the old whitewash and tear off dirty wallpaper. At the end of the renovation, everything is beautiful, bright, clean and new. But do remnants of old wallpaper thrown in the trash think so?
Perhaps the above comparison is rather crude in relation to the global changes that Peter I made in Russian society, but it is quite eloquent. And then, why: “tyrant”? Did he, like the Bolshevik “reformers” of the 20th century, burn, shoot, slaughter, “nationalize” and execute “enemies of the people”? His “barbering” is mere trifle compared to genuine tyranny and authoritarianism.
All the reforms, carried out with such pressure and thirst for improvement by the young, maximalist-minded emperor, were aimed at “promoting” (as they say now) the country entrusted to him. Raise it to a new level, “bring it into the light”, bring it closer to the benefits and achievements of civilization, which he himself had seen enough of since his youth in Europe.
For the most part, the people and the “bearded merchants” grumbled because of external changes that were not so important or fundamental. Changing the caftan, shortening beards, introducing foreign dishes into the diet and holidays into the calendar. That which split the “amber” and released the fly from the “crampedness, but no offense” into the fresh air.
Serious reforms affecting career advancement, some equalization in the rights of all worthy, smart and skillful people, could not bring anything other than real benefits for the cultural and intellectual life of the state.
If earlier “every cricket” not only knew, but also sat glued to its “pole”, now thousands of people were given the opportunity to find a use for themselves to their liking. Not only hereditary carpenters, in the 7th generation, could do carpentry. But the peasants, if they have their will, desire, and real abilities. The same goes for trade, jewelry, shipping, engineering... whatever you take on. Is it really worth arguing about the beneficial influence of Peter’s reforms on the development of all of the above crafts?
Marriages that could combine people of different classes. Isn't there any benefit here? This question, however, is more controversial.
In conclusion, I would like to say that Peter I, in my opinion, is not a tyrant or a despot. He tried to be fair. And, for the most part, he succeeded.
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PETER I THE GREAT
(b. 1672 – d. 1725)
The first Russian emperor, famous for his reforms government controlled.
On January 27, 1725, the Imperial Palace in St. Petersburg was surrounded by reinforced guards. Ended in terrible agony life path the first Russian Emperor Peter I. For the last ten days, convulsions gave way to delirium and deep fainting, and in those moments when the Tsar came to his senses, he screamed terribly from unbearable pain. Over the past week, in brief moments of relief, Peter received Holy Communion three times. By his order, all arrested debtors were released from prison and their debts were covered from the royal sums. In all churches, including those of other faiths, prayer services were held for him. Relief did not come, and on January 28, at the beginning of six in the morning, the emperor died.
Peter was the son of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich and his second wife Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina. He was born on May 30, 1672. From his first marriage to Maria Ilyinichna Miloslavskaya, the tsar had 13 children, but only two of the sons survived - Fedor and Ivan. After the death of Alexei Mikhailovich in 1676, Peter’s upbringing took place under the supervision of his older brother, Tsar Fedor, who was his godfather. For the young prince, he chose Nikita Zotov as a mentor, under whose influence he became addicted to books, especially historical works. Nikita told his pupil a lot about the past of the Fatherland, about the glorious deeds of his ancestors. Tsar Ivan the Terrible became a true idol for Peter. Subsequently, Peter spoke about his reign: “This sovereign is my predecessor and example; I always imagined him as a model for my rule in civil and military affairs, but I did not get as far in that as he did. Only those who do not know the circumstances of his time, the properties of his people and the greatness of his merit are fools and call him a tormentor.”
After the death of 22-year-old Tsar Feodor in 1682, the struggle for the throne between two families - the Miloslavskys and the Naryshkins - sharply intensified. The contender for the throne from the Miloslavskys was Ivan, who was in poor health; from the Naryshkins, the healthy but younger Peter. At the instigation of the Naryshkins, the patriarch proclaimed Peter Tsar. However, the Miloslavskys did not reconcile themselves and provoked a Streltsy riot, during which many people close to the Naryshkins died. This made an indelible impression on Peter and influenced his mental health and worldview. For the rest of his life he harbored hatred for the archers and the entire Miloslavsky family.
The result of the rebellion was a political compromise: both Ivan and Peter were placed on the throne, and Princess Sophia, the intelligent and ambitious daughter of Alexei Mikhailovich from his first marriage, became their regent (ruler). Peter and his mother did not play any role in the life of the state. They found themselves in a kind of exile in the village of Preobrazhenskoye. Peter had the opportunity to take part only in embassy ceremonies in the Kremlin. Here, in Preobrazhenskoye, the military “fun” of the young tsar began. Under the leadership of the Scotsman Menesius, a children's regiment was recruited from Peter's peers, mostly representatives of noble families, from which in the early 90s. Two guards regiments grew up - Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky. The future field marshal M. M. Golitsyn, and a descendant of the noble family Buturlin, and the son of a groom, and in the future Peter’s friend and associate, A. D. Menshikov, served in them. The Tsar himself served here, starting as a drummer. The officers in the regiments were mostly foreigners. In general, foreigners who lived near Preobrazhensky in the German settlement (Kukui), who came to the country during the reign of Tsar Alexei, seekers of fortune and rank, craftsmen, military specialists, played a huge role in Peter’s life. From them he learned shipbuilding, military science, and also how to drink strong drinks, smoke, and wear foreign clothes. From them, one might say, he absorbed disdain for everything Russian. The Swiss F. Lefort became the closest to Peter.
In the summer of 1689, the struggle with the Miloslavskys intensified. Princess Sophia, realizing that Peter would soon push aside the sick Ivan and take the reins of government into his own hands, began to incite the archers, led by Shaklovity, to revolt. But this idea failed: the archers themselves handed over Shaklovity to Peter, and he, having named many of his like-minded people under torture, was executed along with them. Peter imprisoned Sophia in the Novodevichy Convent. Thus began his sole rule. Ivan ruled only in name, and after his death in 1696, Peter became autocrat.
In 1697, the Tsar, as part of the Great Embassy of 50 people, under the guise of Pyotr Mikhailov, a sergeant of the Preobrazhensky Regiment, went abroad. The purpose of the trip is an alliance against the Turks. In Holland and England, working as a carpenter in shipyards, the king mastered shipbuilding. On the way back, in Vienna, he was caught by the news of a new Streltsy riot. Peter hurried to Russia, but on the way he learned that the rebellion had been suppressed, 57 instigators had been executed, and 4 thousand archers had been exiled. Upon his return, considering that Miloslavsky’s “seed” had not been exterminated, the tsar ordered the investigation to be resumed. The already exiled archers were returned to Moscow. Peter personally participated in torture and executions. He himself cut off the heads of the archers and forced his associates and courtiers to do this. Many archers were executed in a new way - they were thrown on the wheel. The tsar's vindictiveness towards the Miloslavsky family knew no bounds. He ordered to dig up the coffin with Miloslavsky's body, bring it on pigs to the place of execution and place it near the scaffold so that the blood of the executed would flow onto Miloslavsky's remains. In total, over a thousand archers were executed. Their bodies were thrown into a pit where animal corpses were dumped. 195 archers were hanged at the gates of the Novodevichy Convent, and three - near the very windows of Sophia, and for five whole months the corpses were not removed from the place of execution. In this terrible matter, and in many others, Peter surpassed his idol Ivan the Terrible in cruelty.
At the same time, the Tsar began reforms with the goal of transforming Russia along Western European lines, turning the country into an absolutist police state. He wanted “everything at once.” With his reforms, Peter I put Russia on its hind legs, but how many people stood on the rack, on the scaffold, on the gallows! How many were slaughtered, tortured... It all started with cultural innovations. It became mandatory for everyone except the peasants and the clergy to wear foreign dress, the army was dressed in uniforms according to the European model, and everyone, again except the peasants and the clergy, was obliged to shave their beards, and in Preobrazhenskoye Peter personally cut off the beards of the boyars. Since 1705, a tax on beards was introduced: 60 rubles from servicemen and clerks, merchants and townspeople. per year per person; from rich merchants of the living room hundreds - 100 rubles each; from people of lower rank, boyars, coachmen - 30 rubles each; from peasants - 2 money each time they entered or left the city.
Other innovations were also introduced. Training in crafts was encouraged, numerous workshops were created, young men from noble families were sent to study abroad, city government was reorganized, a calendar reform was carried out, the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle was established, and the Navigation School was opened. To strengthen the centralization of government, instead of orders, collegiums and a senate were created. All these transformations were carried out using violent methods. Special place Peter's relationship with the clergy was occupied. Day after day he led an attack on the independence of the church. After the death of his mother, Peter no longer participated in religious processions. The Patriarch ceased to be the Tsar's adviser and was expelled from the Tsar's Duma, and after his death in 1700, management of church affairs passed to a specially created Synod. And all these and other transformations were superimposed by the unbridled temper of the king. According to the historian Waliszewski: “In everything that Peter did, he brought too much impetuosity, too much personal rudeness, and especially, too much partiality. He hit left and right. And therefore, while correcting, he spoiled everything.” The king’s rage, reaching the point of rage, and his mockery of people could not be restrained. He could attack Generalissimo Shein with wild abuse, and inflict severe wounds on those who were trying to calm him down, people close to him, Romodanovsky and Zotov: one had his fingers cut off, another had wounds on his head; he could beat his friend Menshikov because he did not take off his sword at the assembly during the dances; could kill a servant with a stick for taking off his hat too slowly; he could order that the 80-year-old boyar M. Golovin be forced to sit naked, in a jester’s cap, on the Neva ice for an hour because he refused, dressed as the devil, to participate in the jester’s procession. After this, Golovin fell ill and soon died. The tsar behaved this way not only at home: in the Copenhagen museum, Peter mutilated a mummy because they refused to sell it to him for the Kunstkamera. Many such examples could be given.
The era of Peter the Great was a time of constant wars. The Azov campaigns of 1695–1696, the Northern War of 1700–1721, the Prut campaign of 1711, the campaign to the Caspian Sea of 1722. All this required a huge number of people and money. A huge army and navy were created. Recruits were often brought into cities in chains. Many lands were depopulated. In general, during the reign of Peter I, Russia lost almost a third of its population. Throughout the state it was forbidden to cut down big trees, and the death penalty was generally imposed for cutting down an oak tree. To maintain the army, new taxes were introduced: recruit, dragoon, ship, household and stamp paper. New dues were introduced: on fishing, home baths, mills, inns. The sale of salt and tobacco passed into the hands of the treasury. Even oak coffins were transferred to the treasury and were then sold at 4 times the price. But there was still not enough money.
Peter's difficult character was reflected in his family life. At the age of 16, his mother, in order to discourage him from the German settlement, married him to Evdokia Lopukhina, whom he never loved. Evdokia bore him two sons: Alexander, who died in infancy, and Alexei. After the death of Natalya Kirillovna, relations between the spouses deteriorated sharply. Peter even wanted to execute his wife, but limited himself to only forcibly tonsuring her as a nun in the Intercession Monastery in Suzdal. The 26-year-old queen was not given a penny for her maintenance, and she was forced to ask her relatives for money. At the same time, Peter had two mistresses in the German settlement: the daughter of the silversmith Betticher and the daughter of the wine merchant Mons, Anna, who became the tsar’s first titled favorite. He gave her palaces and estates, but when her love affair with the Saxon envoy Keyserling was discovered, the vengeful Peter took away almost everything he gave and even kept her in prison for some time. A vindictive, but not inconsolable lover, he quickly found a replacement for her. Among his favorites at one time were Anisya Tolstaya, Varvara Arsenyeva, and a number of other representatives of noble families. Often the king’s choice also stopped at simple maidservants. In 1703, another woman appeared who played a special role in the life of the monarch - Marta Skavronskaya, who later became Peter’s wife under the name of Ekaterina Alekseevna. After the Russian troops occupied Marienburg, she was the servant and mistress of Field Marshal B. Sheremetev, then A. Menshikov, who introduced her to the Tsar. Martha converted to Orthodoxy, gave birth to Peter three daughters and a son, Peter Petrovich, who died in 1719. But only in 1724 did Peter crown her. At the same time, a scandal broke out: the tsar became aware of the love affair between Catherine and Willem Mons, the brother of the former favorite. Monet was executed, and his head in a jar of alcohol, by order of the king, was kept in his wife’s bedroom for several days.
Against the background of these events, the tragedy of Peter’s son, Alexei, stands out clearly. His fear of his father reached the point that, on the advice of friends, he even wanted to renounce the inheritance. Peter saw a conspiracy in this and ordered his son to be sent to a monastery. Alexei fled and took refuge with his mistress, first in Vienna and then in Naples. But they were found and lured to Russia. The father promised his son forgiveness if he named the accomplices. But instead of forgiveness, Peter sent him to the casemate of the Peter and Paul Fortress and ordered an investigation to begin. Within a week, the prince was tortured five times. The father himself was also present. To stop the torment, Alexey slandered himself: they say, he wanted to get the throne with the help of the troops of the Austrian emperor. On June 24, 1718, a court consisting of 127 people unanimously sentenced Alexei to death. The choice of execution was left to the discretion of the king. Little is known about how Alexei died: either from poison, or from strangulation, or his head was cut off, or he died under torture. However, the participants in the investigation received awards, titles, and villages. The next day, Peter magnificently celebrated the ninth anniversary of the Battle of Poltava.
With the end of the Northern War in 1721, Russia was proclaimed an empire, and the Senate awarded Peter the titles “Father of the Fatherland,” “Emperor,” and “Great.”
The tsar’s stormy life “gave” him a bunch of illnesses at the age of 50, but most of all he suffered from uremia. They didn't help either mineral water. Peter spent the last three months mostly in bed, although on days of relief he took part in festivities. In mid-January, attacks of the disease became more frequent. Impaired kidney function led to blockage of the urinary tract. The operation did not yield anything. Blood poisoning began. The question of succession to the throne arose acutely, since the king’s sons were no longer alive by this time. On January 27, Peter wanted to write a decree on the succession to the throne. They gave him a paper, but he could only write two words: “Give everything...” In addition, he lost his speech. The next day he died in terrible agony. His body remained unburied for 40 days. It was displayed on a velvet bed embroidered with gold in a palace hall, upholstered in carpets that Peter received as a gift from Louis XV during his stay in Paris. His wife Ekaterina Alekseevna was proclaimed empress.
This text is an introductory fragment.Peter I We strongly condemn A.S. Ter-Oganyan for his lack of perseverance. After all, he was the first to fight in the south, Azov, Taganrog. And the capital - at first I wanted to move it there! - So it was necessary to stand on this until the end! - says Ohanyan. - And how different everything would be
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Peter the Great Peter I the Great - the last Tsar of All Rus' and the first All-Russian Emperor, was born on May 30 (June 9), 1672, and died on January 28 (February 8), 1725. Peter ascended the throne in 1682, when he was only ten years old , and independent rule, without the help of a regent, Peter
"Peter I - a great reformer or a great tyrant?"
Peter the First was the most controversial ruler in Russian history. On the one hand, he did a lot of useful things, and on the other, his complex character is known to everyone. So what outweighed more? It's worth looking into this. A person needs to know the history of his country, because without a worthy past there cannot be a worthy future.
Supporters of the idea that Peter I is a great reformer. They justify their position by the fact that:
- Policy. As a result of the administrative, state reform carried out by Peter I, Russia received a clearer structure of government. The cumbersome system of orders was replaced by collegiums that were subordinate to the Senate. On January 24, 1722, the “Table of Ranks” was introduced, which introduced a new classification of serving people. The nobility of the family in itself, without service, means nothing, does not create any position for a person, thus, the aristocratic hierarchy of the breed, the genealogy book, was put in place.
- Economy. Under Peter there was a significant growth of the large manufacturing industry. By 1725 there were 220 manufactories in Russia (and “1690” only 21). Pig iron smelting increased 5 times, which made it possible to begin exporting abroad. Under Peter I, trade took a noticeable step forward (internal and external. Metalworking factories were built in the Urals, Karelia, near Tula. If before the beginning of the 18th century, Russia imported iron from abroad, then by the end of the reign of Peter I the country began to sell it. They were opened deposits of copper ore (Ural) New types of manufacturing appeared: textile, chemical, shipbuilding.
- Army. Announced by decree of 1699 on the beginning of recruitment. In the period from 1699 to 1725, an army (318 thousand people, including Cossack units) and a navy were formed. The army had a single principle of recruitment, uniform uniforms and weapons. Simultaneously with the creation of the army, the construction of the fleet continued. By the time of the Battle of Gangut (1714), the Baltic Fleet was created of 22 ships, 5 frigates and many small vessels. Russia had both a navy and a merchant fleet.
- Construction of St. Petersburg
Tsar Peter I founded the city on May 16 (27), 1703, and founded a fortress on one of the islands in the Neva delta. In 1712, the capital of Russia was moved from Moscow to St. Petersburg. The city officially remained the capital until 1918.
- On the issue of religion. Tsar Peter I proclaimed the principle of religious tolerance in the state. It was widely used in Russia by different religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Mohammedan, Jewish.
- Education and science. Under Peter I, Russia became a powerful European power. He paid great attention to education and science. Peter obliged all noble children to learn to read and write, not only sent many to study abroad, but also opened schools and colleges in Moscow and St. Petersburg: naval, engineering schools, and an artillery school. By order of Peter, the publication of the first printed newspaper in Russia began. It was called Vedomosti and was published in St. Petersburg since 1702. To make reading and writing easier, in 1708 he reformed the Russian alphabet, significantly simplifying it. In 1719, Peter founded the country's first museum, the Kunstkamera. And, at the end of his life, on January 28, 1724, Peter I issued a decree establishing the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Russia.
Counter-arguments are given to them by those who believe that “Peter I is not a great reformer.” And they support their position by the fact that:
- Policy. The administrative reforms carried out by Peter I led to an increase in various malfeasance, the number of officials and the costs of their maintenance increased. The burden of taxes fell on the shoulders of the people. Northern War, worsened economic situation population, as they required huge material costs. Numerous taxes were introduced, direct and indirect. All this worsened the situation of the tax-paying population (peasants, townspeople, merchants, etc.).
- Social side. The reforms of Peter I led to the strengthening of serfdom. A decree of Peter I in 1721 allowed manufacturers to buy villages with peasants for factories. The decree prohibited the sale of factory peasants separately from the factory. Manufactories using forced labor were unproductive. The people responded to the deterioration of their situation with resistance (Astrakhan uprising, K. Bulavin's uprising, Uprising in Bashkiria). Peter used mass executions, torture, exile as a means of punishment. For example, the Streletsky riot of 1698 was a brutal reprisal against the Streltsy, which was carried out by the sovereign. 799 archers were executed. Only those between 14 and 20 years old were spared their lives, and even then they were beaten with whips. Over the next six months, 1,182 archers were executed, 601 people were whipped, branded and exiled. The investigation and executions continued for almost ten years. total number those executed reached 2,000 people.
- Construction of St. Petersburg. In order to speed up the construction of stone houses, Peter even banned stone construction throughout Russia, except for St. Petersburg. Serfs were used on a large scale to work on the project. It is believed that around 30,000 died during construction.
- Church. Peter ordered the bells to be removed from churches, because... There was not enough metal for weapons for the army; up to 30 thousand pounds of bell copper were then brought to Moscow. Reform of the Synod of the Church: When Patriarch Adrian Peter died in 1700, he forbade the election of a successor. In 1721, the patriarchate was abolished, and the “Holy Governing Synod” was created to govern the church, subordinate to the Senate. The state strengthened control over church income from the monastery peasants, systematically seized a significant part of it for the construction of the fleet, maintenance of the army, schools, etc. The creation of new monasteries, the number of monks in existence was limited.
- Old Believers. Tsar Peter allowed the Old Believers to live openly in cities and villages, but imposed a double tax on them. They took a tax from every man for wearing a beard, they also took a fine from them for the fact that the priests performed spiritual services with them. They did not enjoy any civil rights in the state. For disobedience they were sent to hard labor as enemies of the church and state.
- Culture. Peter I's desire to turn Russians into Europeans overnight was carried out using violent methods. Shaving of beards, introduction of European-style clothing. Those who disagreed were threatened with fines, exile, hard labor, and confiscation of property. Petrine “Europeanization” marked the beginning of a deep gap between the way of life of the people and the privileged strata. Many years later, this turned into distrust of the peasantry towards any person from the “educated”, since a nobleman dressed in European style, speaking foreign language, seemed to the peasant a foreigner. Peter openly despised everything folk customs. Peter, returning from Europe, ordered people to forcibly shave their beards and wear foreign clothes. At the city outposts there were special spies who cut off the beards of passers-by and cut off the hems of long, nationally cut clothes. Those who resisted had their beards simply torn out by the roots. On January 4, 1700, all residents of Moscow were ordered to dress in foreign dresses. Two days were given to carry out the order. It was forbidden to ride on Russian-style saddles. Merchants for selling Russian clothes were mercifully promised a whip, confiscation of property and hard labor.
If we divide the reign of Peter I into reformation and tyranny, it is easier to present it in a comparative table.
Peter was a reformer |
Peter was a tyrant |
1. Clear structure of public administration 2. The “Table of Ranks” was introduced. family nobility in itself, without service, means nothing 3. The growth of a large manufacturing industry and new types of manufactures appeared. 4. Under Peter I, trade (domestic and foreign) made significant progress. 5.New factories were built. 6. Russia began selling metal to Europe. 7.Creation of a new army. 8. Construction of a military and commercial fleet. 9. Construction of St. Petersburg, which in 1712 became the capital of Russia. 10. Tsar Peter I proclaimed the principle of religious tolerance in the state 11.Peter I paid great attention to education and science. opened schools and colleges in Moscow and St. Petersburg: naval and engineering schools, and an artillery school. 12.By order of Peter, the publication of the first printed newspaper in Russia began On 13.1708 he carried out a reform of the Russian alphabet, significantly simplifying it. 14. . In 1719, Peter founded the country's first museum-Kunstkamera. On January 28, 1724, Peter I issued a decree establishing the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Russia. 15.Peter himself was engaged in any work and personally took part in all endeavors. 16.Under Peter I, Russia became a powerful European power |
1.The administrative reforms carried out by Peter I led to an increase in various malfeasance. |
Conclusion: History does not know the subjunctive mood. Peter the Great was and his deeds were great. I think that Tsar Peter I embodied so many different and sometimes contradictory qualities that it is difficult to characterize him unambiguously. The merits of Peter I are so great that they began to call him the Great, and the state turned into an empire. Peter was naturally a reformer, but the methods he chose to carry out reforms were radical. Yes, Peter I appears before us as frantic and cruel, but such was the age. The new was making its way. Just as fiercely and mercilessly as the outdated old clung to life.
The era of Peter the Great is in many ways instructive for us today, when it is necessary, as Peter the Great happened in his time, to create and protect on the old outdated basis new Russia, reform the army and navy, cultivate hard work, active patriotism, devotion to state interests and love for military affairs. Love your Fatherland and be proud of Russia.
