Rise of Great T - Russia

Author: CCTV Program Group of "The Rise of a Great Nation"
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: In 1697, Tsar Peter the Great traveled to various European countries for study and learning. 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 way, even personally interrogating his reform-opposing son. 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 upon serfdom. Her achievements ultimately only manifested in territorial expansion. By the late 18th century, Russia had become a great power spanning Europe, Asia, and America, and played a significant role in European affairs. However, serfdom caused Russia to quickly fall 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 thinking capacity. Intellectuals like Leo Tolstoy and others hoped to find their own path. It was in this period of reflection that Russia gradually created its own unique civilization.