Which statement best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used serfs to consolidate power?(1 point)
a. Both used the serfs to build cities.
b. Both used the serfs to expand their empires.
c. Both used the serfs to gain favor with the nobles.
d. Both used the serfs to expand Russia’s military.
d. Both used the serfs to expand Russia’s military.
The correct answer is d. Both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used the serfs to expand Russia's military.
To determine which statement best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used serfs to consolidate power, we need to examine the actions of both rulers and their impacts on serfs.
Peter the Great, who ruled from 1682 to 1725, initiated a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Russia. He saw the serfs as a crucial resource for his ambitious plans. Peter used serfs in various ways, including using their labor to build cities such as St. Petersburg. This involved forced labor and intense construction efforts. Therefore, option (a) "Both used the serfs to build cities" is a valid statement for Peter the Great.
Catherine the Great, who ruled from 1762 to 1796, continued the trend of using serfs to benefit the development of Russia. She focused on expanding and modernizing the empire. Catherine sought to increase agricultural production by introducing improvements in farming techniques, which required the use of serf labor. However, there is no specific evidence suggesting that Catherine used serfs to expand Russia's military. Therefore, option (d) "Both used the serfs to expand Russia's military" is not an accurate statement for Catherine the Great.
Considering the above analysis, the statement that holds true for both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great is option (a) "Both used the serfs to build cities."