Russia 1645–1741

This topic covers the transformative period in Russian history from the accession of Peter the Great's father, Tsar Alexis, in 1645 to the death of Peter's daughter, Empress Elizabeth, in 1741. It focuses on the political, social, economic, and cultural changes that laid the foundations for Russia's emergence as a major European power. Key themes include the consolidation of autocracy, the westernisation of the elite, the expansion of serfdom, and the growth of the Russian Empire through territorial conquests.

Understanding this period is crucial because it marks the point at which Russia began to break away from its medieval past and adopt elements of Western European statecraft, technology, and culture. The reforms of Peter the Great, in particular, transformed Russia's military, administration, and society, though often at great human cost. This era also saw the rise of the Romanov dynasty's absolute rule, which would persist until the 20th century. For A-Level students, this topic provides a rich case study of the tensions between tradition and modernisation, and the role of individual leadership in shaping a nation's destiny.

Within the wider OCR A-Level course, 'Russia 1645–1741' is part of the 'Russia and its Rulers' theme, which examines the nature of governance and the relationship between the state and society across different periods. This specific period allows students to explore the origins of many features that defined Russia for centuries: autocratic rule, a service-based nobility, a largely ensefed peasantry, and a state-driven approach to economic and military development. It also sets the stage for later developments, such as the Enlightenment reforms of Catherine the Great and the challenges of modernisation in the 19th century.