Peter the Great, known as the Great Peter by the Russians and the Mad Peter by the Ottomans, was born in 1672, ascended to the throne in 1682, and ruled over Russia until 1725. He permeated every cell of the Russian state and society, transforming the state with his reforms. Peter looked to contemporary European theories and practices as a model and adapted them to Russia, modernizing the country.
Who is Tsar Peter?
He came to power at a young age alongside his brother, but since his brother was mentally disabled, his sister and mother ruled the country until Peter's arrival. When he took power, Russia was an empire in disrepair. While Europe underwent the Renaissance and Reform movements, Russia resisted Westernization and isolated itself against the modern winds. Peter, obsessed with technology, absorbed mining systems and technology from European countries during his early visit to Europe, striving to bring the same to his own country. He was highly focused on technology. Disguised as a Russian diplomat, Peter toured Europe and was astounded by what he saw. He commented, 'While we were asleep for decades, their sons took charge and forged ahead.' After returning from his tour, Peter established his own army and modernized it, subsequently using it to dissolve the old army. In a similar fashion to the abolishment of the Janissary Corps in our history, he got rid of everything from the past.
Later, Peter, determined to modernize every aspect, completely transformed Russia. According to most historians, Peter elevated Russia to a position of influence among world powers, earning him the title of Peter the Great.
Although he believed he was ready, Peter suffered a heavy defeat against his perennial enemy, Sweden. After this defeat and due to the Swedish King Charles XII seeking help from the Ottoman Empire after losing to the Russians, the Ottomans attacked Peter. Under the command of Baltacı Mehmet Pasha, the Ottoman army also defeated Peter. The famous story of Baltacı Katerina in our history is based on this war. Katerina was Peter's wife, also known as Crazy Peter.
After this defeat, Tsar Peter I realized the need for a regular army. For the first time in history, he allowed peasants to be enlisted in the army, and he brought in more trainers from abroad to accelerate industrial production. This time, Peter defeated Sweden again and became the master of the Baltic Sea.
What Peter the Tsar Did for Westernization in Russia
Peter knew that his dreams of a powerful army and expanding the Empire would require a strong economy. A strong economy necessitated a qualified administrative class, which, in turn, required a better education system. Naturally, the military reform program turned into a comprehensive development and an unstoppable mobilization. However, these changes and reforms were so extensive that their effects would still be felt after his death. Peter found the solution in the West, believing that salvation lay there. He followed modern Europe and replicated the system in his country. In this respect, he was a great visionary and an incredibly ambitious individual who wouldn't give up. To generate resources and reduce the country's dependence on imports and trade deficit, he introduced new taxes for the development of domestic production industries. He implemented extreme measures, such as taxing those who did not live like Westerners, including cutting their beards and wearing similar clothing. He opened numerous factories and mines. He transformed Russia, a peasant society, into a colossal factory through the industrial revolution.
Peter, who swore to make Russia one of the leading countries in Europe, established a new education system in his country by sending many students there to learn the Western system. His extreme measures prompted the question, both at home and abroad, of what this man was trying to achieve. His nickname 'Crazy' stems from these practices.
Although he couldn't capture Azov fortress, he never gave up on the idea of dominating the Black Sea and reaching the Bosphorus. He had a keen interest in seafaring. Regardless of his fame and being Tsar, it is known that he willingly worked at the lowest rank on ships.
After his death, Russia struggled for a while, but 37 years later, under the leadership of Catherine, it set sail towards a golden age once again. The mind-boggling tax practices are still discussed, and Peter the Great modernized the Russian alphabet, with the first Russian newspaper being published during his era. He even learned to pull teeth while he was in Holland. As a symbol of Russian grandeur, he built the city of St. Petersburg according to his own dreams. He had a strong penchant for alcohol and jokes about donkeys. Moreover, Russian President Vladimir Putin is a devoted admirer of Peter the Great.
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