1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682

Which Russian ruler came to power as co-tsar in 1682 and later ruled alone?

Peter the Great

One of the most significant modernising rulers in Russian history.

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What title was traditionally used for Russian monarchs in the 17th century?

Tsar

Derived from the word “Caesar,” signifying imperial authority.

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Which social group formed the elite landowning class in Russia?

Boyars

They were powerful nobles who advised the tsar.

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True or False:

Russia in 1682 was economically advanced compared with western Europe.

False

Russia was relatively economically backward.

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What labour system tied peasants to land owned by nobles in Russia?

Serfdom

Serfs were legally bound to work for landowners.

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What term describes Russia’s traditional cultural identity rooted in Slavic customs and Orthodoxy?

Slav society

Russian society was strongly traditional and resistant to Western influence.

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Fill in the blank:

The system binding peasants to the land in Russia was known as ______.

Serfdom

It limited peasant mobility and economic freedom.

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Who ruled Russia as regent during Peter’s early years?

Sophia

Peter’s half-sister governed during his minority.

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Which military group played a major role in political instability during Peter’s youth?

Streltsy

Elite musketeer units involved in several rebellions.

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True or False:

The Streltsy remained consistently loyal to Peter the Great.

False

They rebelled against his authority.

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What diplomatic journey did Peter undertake to learn about Western Europe in 1697–1698?

Great Embassy

Peter travelled incognito to study Western technology and ideas.

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Which European regions did Peter study during the Great Embassy?

Western Europe

He visited places such as the Dutch Republic and England.

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Fill in the blank:

Peter travelled to Europe in 1697 on a mission known as the ______ Embassy.

Great

He sought knowledge of Western technology and military organisation.

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Which new city did Peter the Great found in 1703 as Russia’s new capital?

St Petersburg

Built to provide access to the Baltic Sea.

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What strategic purpose did St Petersburg serve for Russia?

Baltic access

It gave Russia a “window to the West.”

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True or False:

St Petersburg symbolised Russia’s connection with Western Europe.

True

It reflected Peter’s policy of Westernisation.

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What general policy did Peter pursue to modernise Russian society?

Westernisation

Adoption of Western technology, culture and administration.

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Give three reasons why Peter pursued Westernisation.

Exposure to foreigners in the German Quarter
Desire to modernise Russia’s army & navy
Aim to increase Russia’s international power

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Give three early military or political reforms introduced by Peter.

Creation of a modern standing army
Establishment of new government departments (collegia)
Development of a modern navy

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Which branch of the military received major reforms under Peter the Great?

Army

The army was reorganised along Western lines.

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Fill in the blank:

Peter reorganised Russia’s armed forces, especially the ______.

Army

Military reform was central to strengthening the state.

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What economic policy aimed to increase state revenue through new industries and taxes?

Economic reform

Peter promoted manufacturing and state control.

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Which tax introduced under Peter was levied on individuals rather than households?

Poll tax

It increased state revenue from peasants.

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True or False:

Peter the Great reduced the tax burden on peasants during his reign.

False

Taxes increased significantly to fund reforms and wars.

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# Fill in the blank: The reforms that shaped Russian government after 1725 were introduced by **_\_\_\_\_\_ the Great**.

Peter ## Footnote His legacy continued through the 18th century.

What **administrative system** required **nobles to serve the state in civil or military roles**?

Service State ## Footnote Introduced by Peter to tie noble privilege to state service.

Which **social group** benefited most from **Peter the Great’s reforms**?

Gentry ## Footnote They gained privileges and influence over serfs.

# True or False: **Serfdom** weakened significantly in Russia after Peter the Great’s reign.

False ## Footnote Serfdom remained strong and even expanded.

Which **body** gained influence during **disputed successions after Peter’s death**?

Supreme State Council ## Footnote It helped manage power during early palace coups.

Which **elite military regiment** often influenced **succession disputes in Russia**?

Preobrazhensky Regiment ## Footnote Guards regiments played a major political role.

Which **Russian ruler** seized the throne in **1741 after a coup**?

Elizabeth ## Footnote Daughter of Peter the Great.

What was **Tsarina Elizabeth’s relationship to Peter the Great**?

Daughter ## Footnote She used this connection to legitimise her rule.

# True or False: Elizabeth attempted to reverse all of **Peter the Great’s reforms**.

False ## Footnote She largely preserved many Petrine policies.

What **cultural policy** continued under Elizabeth to **modernise Russia**?

Westernisation ## Footnote Western culture influenced education and court life.

What **area of society** did Elizabeth attempt to reform through **improved schooling**?

Education ## Footnote She supported the development of educational institutions.

Name three education reforms put in place by Elizabeth.

* Expanded the Academy of Sciences * Encouraged translation of scientific works * Supported artistic and architectural training ## Footnote Education reform supported modernisation.

Which **social class** gained increased control over **peasants during this period**?

Landowners ## Footnote Noble authority over serfs expanded.

What **condition of the peasantry** caused periodic unrest in Russia?

Serfdom ## Footnote Harsh obligations caused resentment and revolts.

# True or False: **Serf unrest** disappeared during Elizabeth’s reign.

False ## Footnote Discontent continued among the peasantry.

Which **neighbouring state** did Russia increasingly influence during the **18th century**?

Poland ## Footnote Russia interfered in Polish politics.

Which **peninsula on the Black Sea** did Russia attempt but fail to secure before 1762?

Crimea ## Footnote It remained under Ottoman influence until later.

# Fill in the blank: Russia sought control of the **Black Sea peninsula** known as **_\_\_\_\_\_**.

Crimea ## Footnote It was strategically important.

Which **major European conflict (1756–1763)** involved Russia?

Seven Years War ## Footnote Russia fought against Prussia.

Give three consequences of the **Seven Years' War (1756-1763)**.

* Russia showed it could defeat major European powers, especially Prussia, boosting its diplomatic status. * The long war was costly and exposed weaknesses in supply, logistics, and economic capacity. * Peter III’s sudden peace with Prussia cancelled Russia’s victories, undoing territorial and political gains.

Which **ruler** came to power in Russia in **1762 after another palace coup**?

Catherine the Great ## Footnote One of Russia’s most influential monarchs.

# True or False: **Catherine the Great** was born into the Russian royal family.

False ## Footnote She was a German princess who married into the dynasty.

What **intellectual movement** influenced Catherine’s early political ideas?

Enlightenment ## Footnote She corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers.

Which **major European event** later made Catherine more cautious about reform?

French Revolution ## Footnote It increased fears of radical change.

# Fill in the blank: Catherine’s early reforms were influenced by **Enlightenment _\_\_\_\_\_\_**.

ideas ## Footnote Philosophical ideas shaped some policies.

What **legislative project** attempted to modernise Russian law under Catherine?

Great Commission ## Footnote It aimed to codify Russian laws.

Give three examples of how the Great Commission modernised Russian law under Catherine.

* Argued that nobles, townspeople, and peasants should be judged by consistent legal principles. * Catherine’s Nakaz condemned torture as irrational and ineffective, pushing Russia toward Enlightenment legal norms. * Called for clear, written, systematic laws to replace outdated, inconsistent Muscovite legal practices.

What **government body** did Catherine reform to improve **central administration**?

Senate ## Footnote It remained an important governing institution.

# True or False: Catherine successfully created a **complete new legal code** for Russia.

False ## Footnote The Great Commission failed to produce one.

What **reforms** reorganised **local government in towns and provinces**?

Provincial reforms ## Footnote They improved administrative efficiency.

Which **social group** Catherine relied upon for support in government and society?

Gentry ## Footnote They gained privileges and political importance.

What **cultural policy** promoted **education and intellectual development** during Catherine’s reign?

Enlightenment education ## Footnote Schools and academies were expanded.

What **religious policy** reduced some restrictions on minority faiths?

The Edict of Toleration (1773) ## Footnote Eased restrictions on non‑Orthodox groups—allowing greater freedom to worship and organise their communities.

# True or False: **Serfdom** was abolished during Catherine the Great’s reign.

False ## Footnote Serfdom remained central to the economy.

What **economic problem** limited Russia’s development during Catherine’s reign?

Serfdom ## Footnote It restricted labour mobility and productivity.

Which **major peasant uprising (1773–1775)** challenged Catherine’s rule?

Pugachev Revolt ## Footnote Led by a Cossack claiming to be Peter III.

Name three causes of the Pugachev Revolt.

* Harsh serfdom — brutal labour + landlord power * Cossack anger — loss of freedoms/privileges * Pugachev’s claim — promised to free serfs

Which **social group** played a major role in the **Pugachev uprising**?

Cossacks ## Footnote Frontier communities joined the rebellion.

# True or False: The **Pugachev Revolt** succeeded in overthrowing Catherine the Great.

False ## Footnote The rebellion was eventually crushed.

Name three consequences of the Pugachev Revolt.

* Harsher control over serfs — Catherine abandoned any idea of easing serfdom. * Tighter control of provinces — stronger governors + more central authority. * Weakened Cossack autonomy — Cossack freedoms and self-rule were sharply reduced. ## Footnote Catherine strengthened the authority of landowners.

Which **northern European country** fought Russia during Catherine’s reign?

Sweden ## Footnote Conflicts occurred over Baltic influence.

Give three consequences of Russia’s wars with Sweden (**Great Northern War**).

* Acquisition of Baltic territory * Establishment of St Petersburg as a “window to the West” * Emergence of Russia as a major European power

Which **empire** controlled **Crimea** before Russian expansion in the late 18th century?

Ottoman Empire ## Footnote Russia fought several wars with the Ottomans.

Which **territory** did Russia eventually annex in **1783**?

Crimea ## Footnote This strengthened Russian influence in the Black Sea.

# True or False: Russia avoided involvement in **Polish affairs** during Catherine’s reign.

False ## Footnote Russia intervened repeatedly in Poland.

What **event** divided Poland between neighbouring powers in the late 18th century?

Partitions of Poland ## Footnote Russia, Prussia and Austria divided Polish territory.

# Fill in the blank: The division of Polish territory between European powers is known as the **_\_\_\_\_\_ of Poland**.

Partitions ## Footnote Russia gained significant territory.

By **1796** what **international status** had Russia achieved under Catherine?

Major European power ## Footnote Military expansion increased its influence.

# True or False: By the end of Catherine’s reign Russia had become a **leading European state**.

True ## Footnote Expansion and reform strengthened Russian power.

1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment, 1682–1796 Flashcards

Assess how Russian rulers consolidated power and attempted reform during the age of absolutism and enlightenment. (73 cards)