Russia: Autocracy and Reform for A-Level History (OCR)

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.

Russia: Autocracy and Reform Flashcards

Assess the development of autocratic rule and reform in Russia during the early modern period. (73 cards)