Peter the Great: Westernization and Expansion of Russia - Lecture 4

Explore the historical significance of Peter the Great in this 46-minute lecture from Yale University's European Civilization course. Delve into the territorial expansion of Russia, the Westernization of Russian culture, and Peter's complex personality as both a brutal ruler and an enthusiast for science and modernization. Examine the lasting impact of his reign on Russia's relationship with the West and its internal politics, including the ongoing struggle between Westernizers and Slavophiles. Discover how Peter's efforts to introduce secular, Western customs challenged traditional Russian Orthodox religious traditions and affected the role of the boyars in Russian absolutism. Gain insights into Peter the Great as a product of European rationalism and his enduring influence on Russian history.