The Russian Empire
Russia started with humble beginnings, growing from a small state, to a vast continental empire. Early Moscow princes defeated the Mongols and built their state, based on the model of an absolute monarchy.
Success came from Russian tsars, who worked to build their empire, from the ground, up. Ivan III set the stage by declaring Russia independent and acquiring new land and territory, making Russia a powerful state.
Like any empire however, Russia faced many difficulties. Of these, some included limitations due to the Russian population and a famine after Ivan the Terrible's reign. Russia's low population prevented all Russian territories from prospering, especially Siberia. The famine also damaged the Russian state: the Russians were left vulnerable and the Poles/Swedes took advantage of this.
When Peter I came to power, he adopted a policy of westernization. Hand picked by Peter himself, only certain influences were allowed inside Russian borders. These mainly included more trade and an increase in military and industrial technology. The policy of westernization continued into Tsarina Catherine II's reign as well. She sought to remodel Russia according to European ideals, an action known as reform. However, Catherine expunged any trace of westernization when she thought it to be a challenge to her rule (after the French Revolution) and resorted to conservative ideas. As a result, western influence was curbed, and the progress of Russia slowed to a snail's pace.
Success came from Russian tsars, who worked to build their empire, from the ground, up. Ivan III set the stage by declaring Russia independent and acquiring new land and territory, making Russia a powerful state.
Like any empire however, Russia faced many difficulties. Of these, some included limitations due to the Russian population and a famine after Ivan the Terrible's reign. Russia's low population prevented all Russian territories from prospering, especially Siberia. The famine also damaged the Russian state: the Russians were left vulnerable and the Poles/Swedes took advantage of this.
When Peter I came to power, he adopted a policy of westernization. Hand picked by Peter himself, only certain influences were allowed inside Russian borders. These mainly included more trade and an increase in military and industrial technology. The policy of westernization continued into Tsarina Catherine II's reign as well. She sought to remodel Russia according to European ideals, an action known as reform. However, Catherine expunged any trace of westernization when she thought it to be a challenge to her rule (after the French Revolution) and resorted to conservative ideas. As a result, western influence was curbed, and the progress of Russia slowed to a snail's pace.