Establishing authority, 1682–1707 key terms

Autocracy

A system of government in which one person has absolute power.

Serfdom

A labor system where peasants are bound to the land and serve their landlords.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power, often justified by divine right.

Westernization

The process of adopting Western ideas, technology, and culture, which Peter the Great pursued to modernize Russia.

Westernization

The process of adopting Western ideas, culture, and technologies, which Peter the Great implemented to modernize Russia.

St Petersburg

The capital city founded by Peter the Great in 1703, symbolizing his efforts to create a modern, European-style Russia.

Westernization

The process of adopting Western European ideas, culture, and practices, which Peter the Great pursued to modernize Russia.

Meritocracy

A system in which advancement is based on individual ability or achievement, which Peter promoted through the Table of Ranks.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power, often justified by divine right, as seen in Peter the Great's rule over Russia.

Reform

Changes implemented by Peter the Great aimed at modernizing Russia's military, government, and society, often met with resistance from traditional institutions.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power, often justified by divine right.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.