Russia - A 12-episode large-scale television documentary, The Rise of a Great Nation

Author: Ren Xue'an
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: In 1697, Tsar Peter the Great of Russia traveled to various European countries for study. Upon his return, he implemented a series of social reforms through forceful measures. From clothing and dining to scientific education, commercial activities, and military development, Peter advanced Russia's civilized progress in a brutal manner, even personally interrogating the crown prince who opposed the reforms. After defeating the formidable enemy Sweden, Peter ordered the construction of a new European-facing capital, St. Petersburg. Catherine the Great, who inherited Peter's reforms, introduced Enlightenment ideas from Europe, emphasized education, and attempted to draft laws, but the reforms failed to touch the institution of serfdom. Ultimately, her achievements could only be reflected in territorial expansion. By the late 18th century, Russia had become a major power spanning Europe, Asia, and America, and played an important role in European affairs. However, the institution of serfdom soon put Russia far behind countries like Britain and France, which had completed industrialization, in both economic and technological fields. Through repeated cycles of war, revolution, and reform, this nation oscillating between tradition and modernity gradually developed its own capacity for thought. A group of Russian intellectuals, including Leo Tolstoy, hoped to find their own path. It was in this period of reflection that Russia gradually created its own unique civilization.