by Max C

Created on: July 11, 2010   Last Updated: July 12, 2010

   Peter the Great of (1689-1725) was, by far, one of the smartest and most successful Russian leaders ever. His ideas of western modernization, in all acts of life helped Russia finally become a European Superpower. Through his guidance Russia drastically improved their military, education, and medical conditions, among others. A great leader and reformer, Peter was followed by only one other person who shared similar ideals, Catherine the Great (1762-1796). She expanded Russia’s territory by nearly 200,000 miles whilst touting westernization and modern reform, just as Peter had done 40 years earlier. These two leaders revolutionized their country and set it up to become a Superpower that would be among the top in the world for many years.

   When he came to realize Russia’s need for modernization, Peter’s first target was Russia’s military. He gave it a complete renovation, training officers, recruiting more vigorously, and demanding conformity throughout his ranks. He required all officers to be educated and all navy men to be able to navigate. In 1701 Peter founded the Academy of Navigation and Maths and in 1721 Academy of Engineering, among other institutions, in order to educate Russians, particularly his officers. Russia would have the largest standing army all the way up to 1917. His contributions to the expansion of Russia’s military and territory are irrefutably evident.

  Another aspect of society both Peter and Catherine would hone in on was Russia’s educational system. They believed that in order for Russia to survive, more people needed to be educated. Starting in 1701 and finishing in 1724 (year before Peter’s death), he would establish 4 Academies, Academies of Navigation and Maths, of Engineering, of Science, and of Medicine. In 1786, Catherine issued the Statue for Schools for all of Russia. Every district town was to establish a minor school with two teachers, every provincial town a major school with six teachers. She also promoted the education of women and founded a convent.

      Catherine also drastically improved Russia’s Healthcare. She reformed Medical Programs and had several hospitals built around Russia. She also encouraged the production and usage of vaccinations, by taking the first small pox vaccine. Her contributions would not be fully appreciated and realized until her death when her son Paul came into power.

   Through the work and encouragement of both Peter and Catherine, Russia stepped onto the European stage with the largest, arguably most powerful army in the world. Peter had set the precedent for Russians to come, and Catherine fulfilled his wish for someone to take the reins after him and lead Russia into the future. Although Catherine may not have been as charismatic as Peter, she recognized the genius of his plans and aided Russia to succeed in the climate of that period.

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