Peter The Great Summary

Peter the Great
Name
Institution of Affiliation
Date
Peter the Great
Peter the Great was a leader of the Tsardom of Russia which later became the Russian Empire. Born in the year 1672, Peter took over the leadership of the Russian Empire in the year 1682 and later jointly with his elder half-brother Ivan V led the empire until his death in the year 1725 CITATION Shu02 \l 1033 (Shul'man, 2002). He led several successful wars that saw the expansion of the Russian Empire which later became the most renowned empires and the most powerful empire. He successfully initiated cultural, social and political reforms that saw Russia change from the traditional medieval social systems to a modern system of political leadership. He emphasized on the westernization of the Russian Empire, modernizing it and emphasizing on scientific explorations as the main agents of enlightenment in the economic and political growth of the Russian Empire. Many of the current government systems and leadership structures of Russia attribute their existence to the reign of Peter the Great. In particular he initiated several changes in the military system and focused on the establishment of warm relationships with other European countries in case of attacks that may arise. There are several factors that drove Peter the Great to adopt these social and political changes in enhancing economic, political and social growth of the empire.
Motivations for the Peter the Great
1. Desire to realize window to the west
The westernization concept drove the systemic changes that Peter initiated in the Russian Empire. The westernization ideas were profound in that Peter wanted to reinvent these ideas in Russia as a way of initiating change; he wanted his country to be similar with the other Western nations. As a step towards these radical changes he established a modern port in Russia to enable in the increase of trade through the imports and exports that took place through the port. Peter believed that the introduction of the port could improve the communication and connection with other countries which eventually could lead to improved trade between Russia and the other countries. However, the locals were very concerned about this strategy because of the fear of foreigners who they thought could intrude them and take over their region. Peter the Great continuously assured his people that the whole strategy was good for the Russians and served the interests of the Russians. Trade was a key factor in enhancing and establishing relationship with other nations, an essential aspect that Peter wanted for the anticipated help that he could receive through this collaboration especially during war times (Shul'man, 2002).
2. Exile in Moscow
During the struggle between Peter the Great and his elder half-brother Ivan, Peter was exiled in Moscow. Ivan was the most preferred leader of the Russian Empire by Moscow. While in Moscow he got to learn outside the political spheres of the empire. He developed passion for sailing and engaged in military games and math. The Russian courts that ruled in favor of Ivan had the sister of Ivan as one of the decision makers of the courts. Later she was taken out and this gave Peter a chance to regain power in the Russian Empire. ...