The epoch of palace coups, 1725–1762 study guide

Study Guide

Key Figures

• Peter the Great: His reforms laid the groundwork for the political landscape.
• Tsarina Elizabeth: Her reign marked a significant shift towards Westernization and reform.

Important Events

• Palace Coups: Understand the significance of the coups and how they shaped leadership.
• Seven Years War: Analyze Russia's role and the implications for its foreign policy.

Themes to Explore

• Service State: Examine how Peter's vision influenced governance and social structure.
• Serfdom: Investigate the impact of serfdom on Russian society and the economy.
• International Relations: Discuss Russia's evolving role in European affairs and its consequences.

Study Tips

• Create timelines to visualize the sequence of events and their interconnections.
• Compare and contrast the policies of Peter the Great and Tsarina Elizabeth to understand continuity and change.
• Engage with primary sources to gain insights into the perspectives of different social groups during this period.