Recording-2025-04-23T22:00:42.168Z

Catherine the Great

• Enlightened Despotism: Catherine the Great embraced Enlightenment ideas, but only when they did not conflict with her absolute rule.
• Peasant Uprisings: She crushed peasant uprisings aimed at overturning the monarchy and establishing a more democratic system.
• Expansion of Russia: Catherine expanded Russia’s territory, particularly around the Black Sea, clashing with the Ottoman Empire over strategic waterways like the Bosporus and Dardanelles.
  • Warm Water Port: The desired access to the Black Sea is crucial for trade and military, as it remains ice-free all year long.

Russian Czars

Alexander I

• Napoleonic Wars: Credited for preventing Napoleon from conquering Russia.
• Continental System: Initially acquiesced to Napoleon's economic isolation policy against Britain but later rejected it when it harmed Russia’s economy leading to Napoleon's invasion.
• Congress of Vienna: Significant figure, part of the Holy Alliance; believed he ruled by divine right.

Nicholas I

• Decemberist Revolt: Faced the Decemberists, who wanted a constitutional monarchy. He crushed their uprising resulting in execution or exile for many revolutionaries, solidifying absolute monarchy.

Alexander II

• Defeat in the Crimean War: He surrendered after a humiliating loss, realizing the need for major reforms to modernize Russia.
• Emancipation of Serfs: Recognized the need to industrialize and began significant reforms, including granting some political representation through a Duma,