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Peter The Great: A Example Of Effective Leadership: Peter I The Great

Decent Essays
Peter I the Great (1672-1725) is regularly used as a prime example of how effective leadership can play a vital role in the development of a country, Peter is also recognized for the role he played in advancing Russia into the European state system. Peter is seen as a revolutionary as he wanted to discard the old Muscovite Russia and completely modernize the state on both political and military grounds. Copious amounts of Peter’s ideological reforms emanated from the west. Peter learned by example from his neighbors and by doing so he was attempting to westernize and modernize Russia into a major European power. Tsar Ivan III ruled between 1462- 1505 and is recognized for laying down the groundwork for the empire that later emerged. Peter…show more content…
In 1703 Peter founded an island fortress on the captured territory in Gulf of Finland and named it St. Petersburg. Peter moved the courts and major government departments to the new capital. After the Treaty of Nystad, Russia replaced Sweden as the dominant power in the Baltic region. Peter tried to ‘Westernize’ his courtiers and introduce western fashions which were inspired by his experience in other European royal house-holds. Peter attempted to propose a change in the municipal government and economic policies. In 1721 he arranged a new government system which established a council, this would ensure reduced elections and establish financial and administrative autonomy. However, Peter tried to introduce a western system upon rural Russian towns that had no interest in politics or financial responsibility. His economic policies produced spectacular industrial developments and they were regarded as a major achievement. Peter ensured that important industries were under the authority of the state. The real stimulant for economic expansion in Europe was undoubtedly the Great Northern War. There was an increase in production as Peter focused on heavy industry and the mass-production of weapons and clothing used by the army. Trading relations with Europe also substantially increased when the new ‘window to the west’ was open due to access to the…show more content…
Peter introduced Russia to its first professional and successful army which became a catalyst for the expansion of Russia and who celebrated its accomplishments. The introduction of conscription amongst the serfs allowed Peter I to sustain a substantial standing army which helped to defeat the strong Swedish fleet. Peter I also was attentive towards the training of the army as he set up Naval and Artillery academies. The establishment of these academies helped in the efficient defeat of the Swedish army in the Great Northern War and it also made possible Peter’s implementation of new administrative developments within the Army ranks a successful venture. Europe at the time of the Russian expansion was struggling with the Spanish succession in the West and were forced to ignore the growing power of the Russian Army. The victory over Sweden expanded the Russian state into the Baltic regions which brought Political and trading connections with Western Europe. The Great Northern War also determined the relocation of the Russian capital, St.Petersbourg was established in the Gulf of Finland and Russia became a dominant power in the Baltic region. As the Army grew and Peter I expanded the Russian territory further there was heavy demand in manufacturing and industrial supplies which greatly increased the economic prosperity of Russia. The new capital of St.Petersbourg also flourished through new sea trade
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