FRQ: “Analyze the methods and degree of success of Russian political and social reform from the period of Peter the Great (1689-1725) through Catherine the Great (1762-1796).”

Thesis: “Both Peter the Great (1689-1725) and Catherine the Great (1762-1796) methods were largely European and degrees of success of Russian political and social reform were largely progressive and continuously more European but these changes failed to reach the mass of the population.

I. The method, degree of success, social reform, Peter the Great

A. Europeanization, St. Petersburg, Forcing Aristocracy to build town houses there, re-shapes aristocracy but with reluctance, making them cut off their beards

B. The masses of serfs saw little social change as they clung to old beliefs and customs, Old Believers

C. A gap begins to grow between masses and aristocracy.

II. The method, degree of success, social reform, Catherine the Great

A. Further Europeanization, the Aristocracy spoke mostly French and became even further separated from the masses

B. Enlightenment Progress: religious toleration with exception of Old Believers, restrictions on use of torture

C. More power conceded to land lords, after rebellion of Don Cossack

III. The method, degree of success, political reform, Peter the Great

A. Created a new administrative system, replaced duma with a “senate” and 10 territorial governments, meritocracy

B. Procurator of Holy Synod, secularized religion

C. Revolutionized the army into a modern western force, territorial expansion seeking a warm water port

IIII. The method, degree of success, political reform, Catherine the Great

A. The instruction, invitation to legislation commission, looking to make a better Russia by understanding it

B. Charter of Nobility, defined rights of nobility, no longer meritocracy

C. Territorial expansion from Partitions of Poland and expansion into Ottoman as the reason she is the Great.