Imperial Russia: From Peter the Great to the 1917 Revolution

The history of Imperial Russia is crucial for understanding modern Eastern Europe and global political dynamics. This period saw Russia transform from a nascent power into a vast, complex empire before succumbing to internal pressures and revolution. By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundational knowledge of the key figures, institutional reforms, and societal shifts that defined the Russian Empire. You will be able to analyze the long-term historical processes that led directly to the 1917 Revolutions and the subsequent Civil War. What you'll learn: * Understand the foundational political and cultural reforms implemented by Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. * Analyze the impact of serfdom, the Great Reforms of 1861, and subsequent industrialization on Russian society. * Examine the rise of revolutionary ideologies and the internal political struggles leading up to the 1905 Revolution. * Practice interpreting excerpts from key historical documents and primary sources relevant to the imperial period. * Grasp the complex interplay between World War I, institutional decay, and the final collapse of the Romanov dynasty in 1917. The course begins by establishing the political and cultural context of the 18th century, progresses through the major societal reforms and intellectual movements of the 19th century, and concludes with a detailed examination of the revolutionary era. We focus on reading historical narratives and applying critical thinking to historical evidence. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of Russian or European history. All concepts and terminology are introduced clearly and systematically. Start your journey into the fascinating history of Imperial Russia today.