Monarchies: The Importance Of Absolute Monarchy In Russia

Absolute monarchies were a very popular form of government in the 1600s in European nations. Power, selflessness, and order had to be executed thoroughly for an absolute monarch to efficiently control their kingdom. To this day, it is still debated weather or not absolute monarchies were overall beneficial or detrimental to their victims. Although absolute monarchies were detrimental in England, France, and Prussia because they did not improve the lives of the citizenry, Russia benefited from its absolute monarchies because they westernized and reformed the advancing society.

An absolute monarchy consists of a single monarch who has full and absolute power in which they are not limited by constitutions or laws. Deciding weather or not absolute
The great leadership expressed by Peter the Great was the key to Russia’s success under its absolute monarchy. Unlike other rulers Peter the Great promoted the advancement and westernization of Russia through the creation of St. Petersburg, promotion of education, and unity in the nations fashion. Peter the Great believed in order for Russia to be successful they needed a warm-water port to compete with the other European nations. This warm water port would bring money, trade, and education. Peter the Great started the construction of St. Petersburg to satisfy his needs for a warm-water port. Historian, Robert K. Masse stated, “Peter ordered a yearly conscription of 40,000 serfs, one conscript for every nine to sixteen households” (Document 10). These large masses of workers were used in a beneficial way to help and grow the city of St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg was used to promote education and have an easier route to the trade in the west. Peter the Great’s leadership was different from the rest of the absolute monarchs because when he identified a problem he made it his duty to reform it. Peter the Great believed that education was a crucial part to the Russian society and people were encouraged to travel to new places to learn new things. According to Historian, Larissa Taylor, “Peter’s policies had the broad effect of creating a larger urban population, which was somewhat better educated then previously. New skills were needed among large segments of the population, especially in industry” (Document 11). Peter the Great was not afraid of what his people might learn from other nations and bring back to Russia. He opened up schools of navigation and enlightened schools in the concept of science and art. This brought new knowledge and insight into Russia, which led it to be so successful.