How were Peter the great and cathrine the great's goal alike and how are the diffrent
Read these biographies carefully.
http://www.saint-petersburg.com/history/peter1st.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_I_of_Russia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_the_Great
Peter the Great and Catherine the Great were both influential rulers of Russia who had similar goals in terms of modernizing and strengthening the country. However, there were also significant differences in their methods and achievements.
1. Similar Goals:
Both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great aimed to transform Russia into a powerful and progressive European state.
a) Modernization: Both rulers were determined to modernize Russia by introducing western European ideas, technologies, and practices. They sought to improve the military, develop industries, reform education, and promote cultural exchange with Europe.
b) Expansion: Both Peter and Catherine pursued territorial expansion to increase Russia's borders and influence. Peter focused on gaining access to the Black Sea, establishing the city of Saint Petersburg as a western-oriented capital and a vital seaport. Catherine expanded Russia's territories to the south and west, including Crimea and parts of Poland.
2. Differences:
a) Personalities and Styles of Governance: Peter the Great was known for his forceful and autocratic leadership style. He implemented reforms through top-down decrees, often bypassing traditional authorities. Catherine, on the other hand, was a more measured and diplomatic ruler who sought to maintain the support of the nobility and court. She engaged in intellectual circles, corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers, and implemented reforms gradually.
b) Reforms: Peter's reforms were wide-ranging and transformative. He introduced the Western-style government bureaucracy, revised the military system, modernized industries and infrastructure, and encouraged education and cultural reforms. Catherine continued many of Peter's reforms, particularly in education and culture. However, she focused more on expanding and consolidating territories, maintaining stability, and enhancing the power of the nobility.
c) Foreign Policy: Peter aimed to make Russia a dominant power in Europe and expand its influence in the region. He fought numerous wars, including the Great Northern War against Sweden, in order to gain access to the Baltic Sea and establish a "window to the West." Catherine pursued a more cautious foreign policy, seeking to preserve the balance of power among European countries and maintain stability within Russia.
In summary, Peter the Great and Catherine the Great shared common goals of modernization and expansion for Russia. However, their approaches, leadership styles, and priorities differed, leading to variations in their achievements and legacies.