Russian Studies 09/13/11

Spragins

Peter the Great : Reading Guide 1.0

Read the Riasonovsky article to gain familiarity with the Peter’s story.

Without sweating the details too much, note the bizarre twists in Peter’s path to power (Early Life; Accession to the Throne)..

Note the influences on young Peter.

Note the character traits revealed by Peter’s Azov campaigns (Early Reign).

Understand the impact of the Grand Embassy on the Peter’s policy and image (The Grand Embassy).

Note the scale of effort demanded by Peter’s Great Northern War (The Later Reign).

Note the historiographically significant Riasonovsky characterization of Peter’s reforms as both “ad hoc” and “visionary” (Peter’s Reforms).

Military

State Administration (Senate, Colleges, Gubernia)

Holy Synod

Taxation

Table of Ranks

Economic

Note how future eras came to view Peter’s legacy (Evaluation).

Read Oliva’s chapter to gain a broader perspective on Peter’s impact.

Contrast the joy engendered by Peter’s death with the epical acclaim that soon followed (170-172).

Note Olivas’s efforts to compare Peter’s regime with similar patterns in “real” European countries (all).

Delve carefully into Oliva’s concept of the Great Power syndrome (172-174).

Follow Oliva’s explanation of the utility and vicissitudes of autocracy as a governing principle (174-176).

Assess Oliva’s explanation for Russia’s success under Peter and under the influence of Peter’s legend (176).