Peter the Copycat?

Peter the Great ruled Russia from 1628 until his death in 1725. During his reign he tried to improve Russia in every aspect. He organized a better military by banning nepotism and unjust promotions amongst army officials. Peter also used the nobles for personal gain and power. Peter the Great transformed Russia into a force to be reckoned with. But was Peter just copying Louis XIV?


So here wa have Versailles...

And here we have Saint Petersburg...

There are many parallels between Russia and France, are they simply coincidences or something more? Louis had Versailles, Peter had Saint Petersburg. Peter wanted a modern version of Versailles to showcase his power. Both Louis and Peter stripped nobles of power and ignored the peasants. The rich got richer and the poor got poorer, just like everywhere else. Peter was interested in westernizing Russia, but to an extent. That extent was to be determined by him and his interests. What Peter felt was good for Russia, was good for Russia. When he came into power Russia was a small fish in a big pond. When his reign came to an end, Russia was without a doubt a predator.

 

Yay for Russia, not so much for that green fishy...

 

 

Overall Peter's actions and policies were very beneficial for Russia and its citizens- the peasants were still poor (but who really cares about them anyway?). So, although Peter may have been a copycat, he still lived up to being Peter the Great.



Fun Fact: Peter was 6 foot 8. Woah.