I chose this topic because I have always fascinated with Russian history. I think that the mystery of the missing Princess Anastasia and the whole Romanov family is something that I’ve wanted to learn more about. Looking into the Bolshevik Revolution will help to give insight into not only what cause the Russian citizens to revolt, but also why the Romanov’s were ousted from their country. This topic is also something that you normally wouldn’t cover in world history ,because it is prominent topic in the eastern world. With all of the issues and secrecy involving Russia in today’s news, it is interesting to see what events have helped to shape and impact Russia as a country.
Prior to the Bolshevik Revolution, Russia was run in two different styles. They were the Old Style and the New Style. The Old Style began with the nobility of Russia searching for a new royal blood line. The search ended with Michael Romanov, who was a young noble man. In 1613, he was elected Tsar of Russia. The New Style of Russian Monarchy began on November 2, 1721. The Senate elected Peter I or Peter the Great. He ruled Russia in early stages with his brother Ivan V until Ivan’s death in 1669. In 1669, Peter I became the Tsar or all Russia. From then until the beginning of the revolution and World War I, there were many other tsars and tsarinas.
Peter I has been famously given the name “Peter the Great” for his achievements made during 18th c. Russia. This moniker has been used for many emperors and rulers, who have made significant impacts militarily. Peter is said to have “inaugurated a thoroughgoing process of state transformation,” with a burning desire to turn the underpopulated Russia into a country of great military power (Bentley, 646). And so it began, he led a party of observers for military education, which eventually led to the Russian army’s reformation (Bentley, 646). Peter was very innovative in terms of his strategy and efficient in his work towards reaching this goal. He “forced all landholders to serve in the military,” (study.com) and ordered aristocrats and nobles to become educated in mathematics and geometry to improve war technology (Bentley, 646). His title of “the Great” has since been applied, and was definitely earned. Peter also gained immense inspiration from Western Europe, and was determined to convert Russia into a similar society. Not only did this spark protest, but it caused Peter to be only more hostile towards his wishes. He sought after changing almost everything in favor of Western Europe’s civilization, down to as minute as the style of his civilian’s wardrobe. Peter the Great was definitely an appropriate example for an Absolutist ruler. He was driven by a desire, and didn’t hesitate to receive it, regardless of what others believed.
Peter seemed to have self concern, but on different matters. He was given his Absolutist title because “…he both strengthened the central government and reduced the power of the nobility”. He was not as concerned with himself as he was concerned with his view of how Russia should be ruled and organized. Peter the Great was known to occupy nobles with matters that benefit his desires, such as educating them to improve nautical war tactics and forcing them into Western European culture. Peter’s dream of a magnificent city lead to the founding of St. Petersburg was major impact towards Russia’s culture.
As Peter the Great ruled his countries as Absolutists, he seems to prove that Absolutism has many variables and can be defined aboundlingly. Peter, more involved in war and culture, developed Russia into a powerful nation and set many goals in its imperial success. This monarch has definitely impacted his nation in ways that demonstrate the complexity of Absolutism.
