Which statement best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used serfs to consolidate power?(1 point)
Responses
Both used the serfs to expand their empires.
Both used the serfs to expand their empires.
Both used the serfs to gain favor with the nobles.
Both used the serfs to gain favor with the nobles.
Both used the serfs to expand Russia’s military.
Both used the serfs to expand Russia’s military.
Both used the serfs to build cities.
Both used the serfs to expand their empires.
Both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used serfs to expand their empires.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the actions and policies of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great regarding serfs.
Peter the Great and Catherine the Great were both Russian monarchs who played significant roles in consolidating power and expanding the Russian Empire.
Peter the Great, in particular, introduced numerous reforms aimed at modernizing Russia. One of his major goals was to strengthen and expand the military. To achieve this, Peter implemented the Table of Ranks, which established a new class structure based on service to the state rather than noble status. Although serfs were not directly involved in military expansion, Peter's reforms affected them indirectly by reorganizing the social hierarchy and promoting loyalty to the state.
Catherine the Great, on the other hand, continued Peter's policies and expanded upon them. She maintained a strong focus on expanding Russia's territory and increasing its power. However, Catherine also introduced some limited reforms for the benefit of the nobility. For example, she allowed noble landowners to have more control over their serfs, which aimed to gain their favor and support.
Based on these facts, the correct statement that best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used serfs to consolidate power is:
"Both used the serfs to expand Russia’s military."
While Catherine also worked to gain favor with the nobles, the most significant and direct involvement of serfs in their policies was related to military expansion and state-building efforts.