Russia 1645–1741 — OCR A-Level History

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.

• →Autocracy: The absolute power of the tsar, who was both head of state and head of the Orthodox Church, with no formal checks on his authority. This concept is central to understanding how Russia was governed.
• →Westernisation: The deliberate adoption of Western European technology, culture, and administrative practices, particularly under Peter the Great. This included changes in dress, education, and military organisation.
• →Serfdom: The legal and economic system that bound the majority of the population to the land and to their noble landlords. Serfdom intensified during this period, becoming a defining feature of Russian society.
• →Service State: The idea that all social groups, especially the nobility, were obliged to serve the state in return for privileges. Peter the Great's Table of Ranks formalised this system.
• →Expansion: Russia's territorial growth through conquest and colonisation, including the acquisition of territories on the Baltic Sea (after the Great Northern War) and in Siberia.

• Analysis of the social and economic backwardness of Russia in 1645.
• Evaluation of the personality and rule of Alexis, including legalisation of serfdom (1649) and church reform.
• Assessment of the regency of Sophia and the early life/upbringing of Peter the Great.
• Analysis of Peter the Great's reforms (Table of Ranks, administration, Church, military, St Petersburg).
• Evaluation of foreign policy under Alexis and Peter, including the Great Northern War and the Treaty of Nystadt (1721).
• Analysis of opposition and reaction to westernisation, including the Streltsi, Old Believers, and Tsarevitch Alexis.
• Assessment of the problems of Russia during the reigns of Catherine I, Peter II, Anne, and Ivan IV (1725–1741).

• 💡Ensure you can compare factors, such as the relative importance of different reform areas.
• 💡Use specific examples of administrative and military reforms to support arguments.
• 💡Demonstrate an understanding of the 'German period' (1725–1741) as a distinct phase of Russian history.
• 💡Focus on reaching a supported judgment in both the essay and the significance question.
• 💡Use specific examples to support your arguments. For instance, when discussing Peter's reforms, mention the introduction of the Table of Ranks (1722) or the founding of St Petersburg (1703). Avoid vague statements like 'Peter modernised Russia' without evidence.
• 💡Show awareness of historiographical debate. For example, some historians argue that Peter's reforms were a 'revolution from above', while others see them as a continuation of earlier trends. Referencing historians like Lindsey Hughes or James Cracraft can add depth to your essays.
• 💡Link developments to the overarching theme of 'Russia and its Rulers'. For example, discuss how the nature of autocracy changed under Peter compared to Alexis, or how the relationship between the tsar and the nobility evolved. This demonstrates a synoptic understanding.

• Failing to link domestic reforms to the broader context of foreign policy requirements.
• Over-simplifying the 'westernisation' process as purely top-down without considering internal resistance.
• Neglecting the significance of the period 1725–1741, often focusing too heavily on Peter the Great.
• Lack of substantiated judgment regarding the extent of change versus continuity.
• Misconception: Peter the Great single-handedly modernised Russia. Correction: While Peter was a driving force, many reforms built on earlier efforts by his father Alexis and his half-sister Sophia. Moreover, westernisation was often superficial, affecting only the elite, while the majority of the population remained untouched.
• Misconception: The Great Northern War was a quick victory for Russia. Correction: The war lasted from 1700 to 1721 and included major setbacks, such as the initial defeat at Narva in 1700. Russia's eventual victory was due to sustained military and economic reforms over two decades.
• Misconception: Serfdom was a medieval relic that was fading by 1700. Correction: In fact, serfdom was legally codified and expanded during this period. The 1649 Law Code (Ulozhenie) bound peasants to the land, and later decrees under Peter further restricted their movement.