Peter the Great
By: Paul Bushkovitch.
Series: Critical issues in history
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Published: 2001
Place of publication: Lanham, MD
Language: eng
Number of pages: 187
Subjects: Peter I, Emperor of Russia, 1672-1725.; Emperors -- Russia -- Biography.; Russia -- History -- Peter I, 1689-1725.
Genres: Biography.
Description: "Centuries after he ruled Russia from 1689 to 1725, Peter the Great remains one of the most revered and enigmatic leaders in world history. This study by noted Yale historian Paul Bushkovitch casts new light on Peter and his times, and demonstrates why it is impossible to comprehend the later course of Russian history without first grasping Peter's profound influence.

Bushkovitch illustrates how Peter, during his thirty-six years as tsar, transformed his country into a modern nation - he strengthened the state, reorganized the army, established a navy, and conquered new territories. In addition to these momentous acheivements, Peter changed the face of the Russian character by introducing European culture, scientific innovations, and political thought to Russia. His influence ultimately paved the way for liberalism, Western style nationalism, and communism.

In the end, neither his contemporaries nor generations of future historians can agree on how Peter should be remembered: was he a heroic reformer who brought Russia into the modern age, or a violent despot who valued the ideas of foreigners over Russian heritage?"--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.