Reforms of Peter 1 in the religious sphere. Church reforms of Emperor Peter the Great

What's happened Church reform Peter 1? This is a whole series of events that significantly changed the management of the Orthodox Church. Russian Church. During the church reform of Peter 1, the system of “Caesaropapism” was introduced - this is when the head of state was at the same time the head of the church. The term "Caesaropapism" denotes the right of the head of state to ecclesiastical supreme power.

Church reform of Peter 1 reasons:

Russian Church in late XVII had centuries huge amount both internal and external problems, which were associated, first of all, with the position of the church in the state. At that time the system was practically not developed religious education and enlightenment. And in the second half of the 17th century, the reform of Patriarch Nikon led to a split.

The Council of 1654 began the procedure of unifying Moscow books in accordance with Greek ones printed in Western printing houses. According to the instructions of Patriarch Nikon, since 1653 the sign of the cross had to be made with “three fingers,” although since 1551 the sign of the cross has been established with two fingers. The Moscow Council of 1656 decided to consider all who are baptized with “two fingers” as heretics. As a result, there was church schism- Old Believers, “Nikonians” (supporters of Patriarch Nikon) and Old Believers (opponents of reforms - the common people, the main part of the Church) appeared. Patriarch Nikon has had enough an ambitious person, he tried in every possible way to strengthen his influence in the state. The Russian tsars saw this and clearly feared the growing position of the Church as opposed to the development of autocracy in Russia. On the part of the head of state, there was a need for changes in the management of the church. But the government did not take radical measures. There were huge land holdings churches and the fact that the population of these lands and monastic enterprises were exempted by the church from paying all taxes to the state. As a result, prices for the products of church industrial enterprises were lower, and this, in turn, hindered the development of the merchant business. But in order to confiscate church property, funds were needed, and under the same Peter the Great, Russia fought almost non-stop.

But in the 17th century, more and more lands continued to become the property of the clergy. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich issued the Monastic Order, attempting to carry out trials against clergy outside the church. But the strength and protest of the clergy was so significant that the Monastic Order had to be canceled.

The essence of the church reform of Peter 1

Peter the Great is called a “Westernizer.” At that time, pro-Western sentiments were already quite “audible” in Moscow. In turn, the clergy was clearly dissatisfied with the ongoing transformations in Russia aimed at modernizing the country. Peter I did not like the clergy, also because among him there were many opponents of what Peter was striving for, namely, the creation of a state on the Western European model. The strengthening of views on the relationship between the state and the church was facilitated by visiting Protestant European countries. The clergy laid high hopes against Tsarevich Alexy, the eldest son of Peter I. Having fled abroad, Alexey maintained contact with metropolitans and bishops. The Tsarevich was found and returned to Russia. The charges against him included unnecessary “conversations with priests.” And representatives of the clergy who were caught communicating with the crown prince suffered punishment: they were all deprived of their rank and life. It is noteworthy that in preparing for the reform of church government, Peter I was in close contact with the Patriarch of Jerusalem (Dosifei) and the Ecumenical Patriarch (Cosmas). In particular, for himself and for the Russian soldiers who were on military campaigns, Peter asked them for permission to “eat meat” during Lent.

Peter I's reforms were aimed at:

to prevent the Russian patriarch from being raised into a second sovereign.
to subordinate the church to the monarch. The clergy is not another state, but must obey along with everyone else general laws.

The Patriarch at that time was Adrian, who was very fond of antiquity and not inclined to the reforms of Peter I. In 1700, Patriarch Adrian died, and shortly before that, Peter had already independently prohibited the construction of new monasteries in Siberia. And in 1701 the Monastic Order was restored. The bishop's houses, the Patriarchal courtyard, and monastery farms went to him. The head of the Monastic Prikaz became the secular boyar Musin-Pushkin. Then a series of decrees were issued, one after another, which significantly reduced the independence of the clergy from secular power. “Purges” took place in the monasteries: all those “not tonsured” were expelled; convents Women were allowed only after forty years, and the monastic property and economy were given to the Monastic Order. A ban was introduced on the ownership of land by monks.

Among the reliefs, it is worth noting the mitigation of the harsh persecution of schismatics and the permission of free religion for Catholics and Protestants. Peter spoke on this matter in such a way that “the Lord gave power to the king, but only Christ has power over the conscience of men.” All significant events both in the life of the country and in the life of the tsar personally, they were accompanied by church services in a solemn atmosphere. The bishops were given orders not to “invent miracles”: not to accept unknown remains as holy relics and not to attribute miraculous powers to icons, not to encourage holy fools. People of various ranks were forbidden to give alms to the poor. You could donate to almshouses.

Results of the church reform of Peter 1

Metropolitan Stefan Yavorsky was appointed guardian of the Patriarchal Throne, that is, to lead the affairs of the church. He was completely under the authority of the head of state, and his authority was reduced to zero. He was authorized in Moscow to hold meetings with representatives of the clergy, which he immediately had to report to the sovereign. And since 1711, the Governing Senate began its work (instead of Boyar Duma), the decrees of the Senate had to be obeyed by all services of the state: temporal and spiritual. The appointment of any clergyman to a position has now become possible only with the permission of the Senate; moreover, permission to build churches is now issued by the Senate.

Gradually, all institutions were concentrated in St. Petersburg, and the guardian of the patriarchal throne moved here by order of the sovereign. And in 1721, Peter I established the Spiritual College, which was soon renamed the Holy Governing Synod - a new church administration. The Synod was obedient to the sovereign, and the system was built in such a way that Peter established supervision over the activities of the Synod. A chief prosecutor was appointed in the Synod, whose task was to control relations with the civil authorities and not coordinate the decisions of the Synod if they differed from the decrees of the tsar. The Chief Prosecutor was “the eye of the sovereign.” And the “correct” state of affairs in the Synod was monitored by inquisitors. The main goal of the Synod, according to Peter’s plan, was to correct the vices of church life: to supervise the activities of the clergy, check texts scriptures, fight superstitions, observe services, not allow various false teachings to penetrate into the faith, and administer patriarchal justice.

It so happened that in Ancient Rus' Almost anyone who wanted could join the clergy. Any clergy could freely walk from one city to another, from one temple to another. Even the landowner or unfree person could go to the clergy. For many, this was also an opportunity to find income more easily. Parishioners often chose the right person"from among our own" for the position of clergyman. And instead of a deceased clergyman, his children or relatives were often appointed. And sometimes in a church or parish, instead of one priest, there were several people - priests - relatives. In Ancient Rus', the so-called “wandering priesthood” or “sacral priesthood” was developed. In ancient Moscow (as in other cities), crossroads where people crossed big streets. There was always a crowd of people here for various reasons. In Moscow, the most famous were the Spassky and Varvarsky sacrums. Representatives of the clergy gathered here, who left their parishes and went to “free bread.” Those who needed a priest “one-time” came here - a prayer service at home, to celebrate the magpie, a blessing.
Peter I is still in early XVIII century orders to limit the availability of entry into the clergy. Moreover, at the same time, the system for leaving the clergy is being simplified. All this leads to a reduction quantitative number clergy. At the same time, unique quotas are being introduced for new churches - strictly according to the number of parishioners.

Theological schools were also established to train priests. Each bishop was ordered to have a school for children at home or at home.

Peter I did not like monks. It was within the walls of the monasteries, according to Peter, that a force hostile to him was hidden, capable of bringing confusion into the minds of people. All decrees regarding monasteries were reduced to reducing their number and complicating the conditions for admission to monasticism. Peter tried to adapt the monastic farms into “useful” institutions for the benefit of Russia: hospitals, schools, almshouses, factories. Peter began to use the monasteries as shelters for beggars and disabled soldiers. Monks and nuns were ordered to leave monasteries for two to three hours with special permission, and long absences were prohibited.

Peter the Great (1672 - 1725) - Russian Tsar, ruled independently from 1689 to 1725. Conducted a large-scale reform of all areas of life in Russia. The artist Valentin Serov, who dedicated a number of works to Peter, described him this way: “He was terrible: long, on weak, thin legs and with such a small head, in relation to the whole body, that he should have looked more like some kind of stuffed animal with a badly placed head than a living person. There was a constant tic in his face, and he was always making faces: blinking, twitching his mouth, moving his nose and flapping his chin. At the same time, he walked with huge strides, and all his companions were forced to follow him at a run.” .

Prerequisites for the reforms of Peter the Great

Peter accepted Russia as a backward country, located on the outskirts of Europe. Muscovy had no access to the sea, with the exception of Bely, a regular army, navy, developed industry, trade, the public administration system was antediluvian and ineffective, there were no higher educational institutions(only in 1687 did the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy open in Moscow), printing, theater, painting, libraries, not only the people, but many representatives of the elite: boyars, nobles, did not know how to read and write. Science did not develop. Serfdom ruled.

Public Administration Reform

- Peter replaced orders that did not have clear responsibilities with collegiums, the prototype of future ministries

  • Collegium of Foreign Affairs
  • Military college
  • Naval College
  • Board for Trade Affairs
  • College of Justice...

The boards consisted of several officials, the eldest was called the chairman or president. All of them were subordinate to the Governor General, who was part of the Senate. There were 12 boards in total.
- In March 1711, Peter created the Governing Senate. At first its function was to govern the country in the absence of the king, then it became a permanent institution. The Senate included presidents of colleges and senators - people appointed by the tsar.
- In January 1722, Peter issued a “table of ranks”, numbering 14 class ranks from State Chancellor (first rank) to collegiate registrar (fourteenth)
- Peter reorganized the secret police system. Since 1718 Preobrazhensky order, in charge of cases of political crimes, was transformed into the Secret Investigation Office

Church reform of Peter

Peter abolished the patriarchate, a church organization practically independent of the state, and created in its place the Holy Synod, all of whose members were appointed by the tsar, thereby eliminating the autonomy of the clergy. Peter pursued a policy of religious tolerance, making the existence of Old Believers easier and allowing foreigners to freely practice their faith.

Administrative reform of Peter

Russia was divided into provinces, provinces were divided into provinces, provinces into counties.
Provinces:

  • Moscow
  • Ingria
  • Kyiv
  • Smolenskaya
  • Azovskaya
  • Kazanskaya
  • Arkhangelogorodskaya
  • Siberian
  • Rizhskaya
  • Astrakhan
  • Nizhny Novgorod

Peter's military reform

Peter replaced the irregular and noble militia with a permanent regular army, staffed by recruits drawn one from each of the 20 peasant or petty-bourgeois households in the Great Russian provinces. He built a powerful navy and wrote the military regulations himself, using the Swedish one as a basis.

Peter turned Russia into one of the strongest sea ​​powers world, having 48 linear and 788 galley and other ships

Peter's economic reform

A modern army could not exist without state system supplies. To supply the army and navy: weapons, uniforms, food, consumables— it was necessary to create powerful industrial production. By the end of Peter's reign, there were about 230 factories and plants operating in Russia. Factories were created focused on the production of glass products, gunpowder, paper, canvas, linen, cloth, paints, ropes, even hats; metallurgical, sawmill, and leather industries were organized. In order for the products of Russian craftsmen to be competitive in the market, high customs duties were introduced on European goods. Encouraging entrepreneurial activity, Peter widely used the issuance of loans to create new manufactories and trading companies. The largest enterprises that arose during the era of Peter the Great's reforms were those created in Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Urals, Tula, Astrakhan, Arkhangelsk, Samara

  • Admiralty Shipyard
  • Arsenal
  • Powder factories
  • Metallurgical plants
  • Linen production
  • Production of potash, sulfur, saltpeter

By the end of the reign of Peter I, Russia had 233 factories, including more than 90 large manufactories built during his reign. During the first quarter of the 18th century, 386 different ships were built at the shipyards of St. Petersburg and Arkhangelsk; at the beginning of the century, Russia smelted about 150 thousand pounds of cast iron, in 1725 - more than 800 thousand pounds; Russia caught up with England in cast iron smelting

Peter's reform in education

The army and navy needed qualified specialists. Therefore Peter great attention paid attention to their preparation. During his reign, they were organized in Moscow and St. Petersburg

  • School of Mathematical and Navigational Sciences
  • artillery school
  • engineering school
  • medical school
  • maritime academy
  • mining schools at Olonets and Ural factories
  • Digital schools for “children of all ranks”
  • Garrison schools for children of soldiers
  • Theological schools
  • Academy of Sciences (opened a few months after the death of the Emperor)

Peter's reforms in the field of culture

  • Publication of the first newspaper in Russia “St. Petersburg Vedomosti”
  • Ban on boyars wearing beards
  • Establishment of the first Russian museum - Kunskamera
  • Requirement for nobility to wear European dress
  • Creation of assemblies where nobles had to appear together with their wives
  • Creation of new printing houses and translation into Russian of many European books

Reforms of Peter the Great. Chronology

  • 1690 - The first guards regiments Semenovsky and Preobrazhensky were created
  • 1693 — Creation of a shipyard in Arkhangelsk
  • 1696 — Creation of a shipyard in Voronezh
  • 1696 - Decree on the creation of an arms factory in Tobolsk
  • 1698 - Decree banning beards and requiring nobles to wear European clothing
  • 1699 - Dissolution of the Streltsy army
  • 1699 - creation of commercial and industrial enterprises enjoying a monopoly
  • 1699, December 15 - Decree on calendar reform. New Year starts January 1st
  • 1700 - Creation of the Government Senate
  • 1701 - Decree prohibiting kneeling at the sight of the sovereign and removing one’s hat in winter when passing by his palace
  • 1701 - Opening of a school of mathematical and navigational sciences in Moscow
  • 1703, January - the first Russian newspaper was published in Moscow
  • 1704 - Replacement of the Boyar Duma with a council of ministers - the Council of Chiefs of Orders
  • 1705 - First decree on recruitment
  • 1708, November - Administrative reform
  • 1710, January 18 - decree on the official introduction of the Russian civil alphabet instead of the Church Slavonic
  • 1710 - Founding of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg
  • 1711 - instead of the Boyar Duma, a Senate of 9 members and a chief secretary was created. Currency reform: minting gold, silver and copper coins
  • 1712 - Transfer of the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg
  • 1712 - Decree on the creation of horse breeding farms in the Kazan, Azov and Kyiv provinces
  • 1714, February - Decree on the opening of digital schools for the children of clerks and priests
  • 1714, March 23 - Decree on primogeniture (single inheritance)
  • 1714 - Foundation of the state library in St. Petersburg
  • 1715 - Creation of shelters for the poor in all cities of Russia
  • 1715 - Instruction of the College of Commerce to organize the training of Russian merchants abroad
  • 1715 - Decree on encouraging the cultivation of flax, hemp, tobacco, mulberry trees for silkworms
  • 1716 - Census of all schismatics for double taxation
  • 1716, March 30 - Adoption of military regulations
  • 1717 - Introduction free trade grain, cancellation of some privileges for foreign merchants
  • 1718 - Replacement of Orders by Colleges
  • 1718 — Judicial reform. tax reform
  • 1718 - Beginning of the population census (continued until 1721)
  • 1719, November 26 - Decree on the establishment of assemblies - free meetings for fun and business
  • 1719 - Creation of an engineering school, establishment of the Berg College to manage the mining industry
  • 1720 - Naval Charter adopted
  • 1721, January 14 - Decree on the creation of the Theological College (the future Holy Synod)

Speaking briefly about the progress of Peter I's church reform, it is important to note its thoughtfulness. At the end of the reform, Russia, as a result, received only one person with absolute full power.

Church reform of Peter I

From 1701 to 1722, Peter the Great tried to reduce the authority of the Church and establish control over its administrative and financial activities. The prerequisites for this were the protest of the Church against the changes taking place in the country, calling the king the Antichrist. Having enormous authority, comparable to the authority and complete power of Peter himself, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' was the main political competitor of the Russian reformer tsar.

Rice. 1. Young Peter.

Among other things, the Church had accumulated enormous wealth, which Peter needed to wage war with the Swedes. All this tied Peter’s hands to use all the country’s resources for the sake of the desired victory.

The tsar was faced with the task of eliminating the economic and administrative autonomy of the Church and reducing the number of clergy.

Table “The essence of the reforms being carried out”

Events

Year

Goals

Appointment of the “Guardian and Manager of the Patriarchal Throne”

Replace the election of the Patriarch by the Church with an imperial appointment

Peter was personally appointed as the new Patriarch

Secularization of peasants and lands

Elimination of the financial autonomy of the Church

Church peasants and lands were transferred to the management of the State.

Monastic prohibitions

Reduce the number of clergy

It is forbidden to build new monasteries and conduct a census of monks

Senate control over the Church

Restriction of administrative freedom of the Church

Creation of the Senate and transfer of church affairs to its management

Decree limiting the number of clergy

Improving the efficiency of human resource allocation

Servants are assigned to a specific parish and are prohibited from traveling

Preparatory stage for the abolition of the Patriarchate

Get full power in the empire

Development of a project for the establishment of the Theological College

January 25, 1721 is the date final victory emperor over the patriarch when the patriarchate was abolished.

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Rice. 2. Prosecutor General Yaguzhinsky.

The relevance of the topic was not only under Peter, but also under the Bolsheviks, when not only church power was abolished, but also the very structure and organization of the Church.

Rice. 3. Building of 12 colleges.

The Spiritual College also had another name - the Governing Synod. A secular official, not a clergyman, was appointed to the position of Chief Prosecutor of the Synod.

As a result, the reform of the Church of Peter the Great had its pros and cons. Thus, Peter discovered for himself the opportunity to lead the country towards Europeanization, however, if this power began to be abused, in the hands of another person Russia could end up in a dictatorial-despotic regime. However, the consequences are a decrease in the role of the church in the life of society, a reduction in its financial independence and the number of the Lord's servants.

Gradually, all institutions began to concentrate around St. Petersburg, including church ones. The activities of the Synod were monitored by fiscal services.

Peter also introduced church schools. According to his plan, every bishop was obliged to have a school for children at home or at home and provide primary education.

Results of the reform

  • The position of Patriarch has been abolished;
  • Taxes increased;
  • Recruitment from church peasants is underway;
  • The number of monks and monasteries has been reduced;
  • The Church is dependent on the Emperor.

What have we learned?

Peter the Great concentrated all branches of power in his hands and had unlimited freedom of action, establishing absolutism in Russia.

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Before Peter the Great ascended the throne, church affairs were poor condition. The Church needed radical reforms, but none of the kings and Peter dared to do this. The problems were as follows. In the Russian Church of the second half of the 17th century, there was almost a complete absence of a system of education and enlightenment. The problem was also that the church had huge territories lands and enjoyed many benefits, which greatly affected the merchants. Also, people subordinate to the church were tried by the church court. All this caused the indignation of the kings, but because of fear of the influence of the church in ordinary masses, the kings were afraid to take drastic measures.

When Peter took the helm of the country, he often saw discontent on the part of the clergy. This was mainly due to the fact that the clergy did not want to accept the innovations introduced by Peter. Since Peter devoted his entire life to the modernization of the country, he wanted the clergy not to put themselves above other classes, and also, like everyone else, to be subject to general laws. He was also against the fact that the head of the Russian Church tried to place himself on an equal footing with the emperor. Although Peter was not an unbeliever, it was often said that he took a neutral position with the church. When the clergy tried to maintain independence from the courts, Peter stopped this immediately.

Peter began his first changes in the Russian Church during the life of Patriarch Adrian (the head of the Russian Church in 1700), namely banned the building of churches in Siberia. When the patriarch died, the question arose about who would carry out the affairs of the patriarch, then Peter decided to restore the Monastic Order, which began to manage church lands and households. All other patriarchal affairs were distributed according to the relevant orders. Subsequently, Peter issued several more decrees, thereby further reducing the independence of the clergy from other sectors of society. Life also became easier for those whose religion differed from the Orthodox. Now Catholics and Protestants could not fear persecution from the Russian Church. However, the Old Believers were persecuted, since Peter did not like Russian antiquity.
To more people became spiritually richer; decrees were issued that provided for fines if a person did not confess within a certain time
(usually once a year at least). On the other hand, this decree was adopted for the purpose of denunciations; priests were obliged to report to the authorities the confessions of interested people.

At the same time, Peter led an active struggle against beggary. It was forbidden not only to ask for alms, but also to give it. All those begging for alms were taken to the Monastery Prikaz for trial. If it turned out that the person asking for alms was someone else’s peasant, then his landowner was charged a fine of 5 rubles. If the peasant was caught again, he was sent to hard labor, having previously been beaten. People who wanted to help the poor were encouraged to give help to almshouses. By 1718, there were already more than 4,500 beggars and more than 9 dozen almshouses in Moscow. Peter had to admit that the number of beggars was constantly increasing, even after tough measures had been taken. Therefore, Peter issued a decree in which he recommended following the example of Metropolitan Job of Novgorod, who organized good charitable assistance to those in need in Novgorod.

An important event in Peter's church reform was the formation on January 25, 1721 of the Holy Governing Synod, or the Spiritual College in other words. Now the church was governed not by one patriarch, but by a college of priests. Now the emperor himself and secular officials were in power over the Synod. Peter spiritually beheaded the Church by subjugating it to himself. The Synod included 12 clergy, and three of them should have the rank of bishop. The Synod resembled civil colleges not only in composition (president, 2 vice-presidents, 4 advisers, 5 assessors), but also in the structure of office work and office. Behind the activities Holy Synod Observed by the Chief Prosecutor, he could interfere with the decisions of the Synod if the decisions of the Synod contradicted civil laws and decrees of Peter. The Synod was obliged to monitor the spiritual education of the population and had to study the qualities of people for appointment to the rank of bishop.

During the reign of Peter, the clergy turned into an estate that had its own privileges and responsibilities. Through the clergy, Peter wanted to influence the masses. As is known in Ancient Rus', access to the clergy was very easy. Almost anyone could become a priest. Basically, the holiest ranks were inherited from father to son. Under Peter the number various kinds There have become so many priests that he is taking measures that make it difficult to enter the clergy, and at the same time has simplified exit from the clergy. Also, one of Peter’s measures was to establish a certain number of priests per number of inhabitants.

Peter had a particular dislike for the monks; with each new decree, he tried to limit the monks’ freedom of action. For example, a young man could not enter a monastery until he turned 30, and women were not tonsured as nuns before the age of 50. Monks were prohibited from visiting secular houses and institutions. He did not allow the construction of new monasteries, made it difficult to enter monasticism, and from monasteries he made institutions suitable for the state - hospitals, factories, etc. Also, monks were forbidden to leave the monastery for a long time and they had to live their entire lives in the monastery. It was also introduced compulsory education in theological schools for the children of clergy, and who did not study in church school should be expelled from the clergy.

OTHER REFORMS OF PETER THE GREAT.


Most of all, Peter I was occupied with the thought of the fleet and the possibility trade relations with Europe. To put his ideas into practice, he equipped the Grand Embassy and visited a number of European countries, where he saw how Russia lagged behind in its development.

This event in the life of the young king marked the beginning of his transformative activities. The first reforms of Peter I were aimed at changing external signs Russian life: he ordered beards to be shaved and ordered to dress in European clothes, introduced music, tobacco, balls and other innovations into the life of Moscow society, which shocked him.

By decree of December 20, 1699, Peter I approved the calendar from the Nativity of Christ and the celebration of the New Year on January 1.

Foreign policy of Peter I

The main goal foreign policy Peter I had access to Baltic Sea, which would provide Russia with connections with Western Europe. In 1699, Russia, having entered into an alliance with Poland and Denmark, declared war on Sweden. The outcome of the Northern War, which lasted 21 years, was influenced by the Russian victory in Battle of Poltava June 27, 1709 and victory over the Swedish fleet at Gangut on July 27, 1714.

On August 30, 1721, the Treaty of Nystadt was signed, according to which Russia retained the conquered lands of Livonia, Estonia, Ingria, part of Karelia and all the islands of the Gulf of Finland and Riga. Access to the Baltic Sea was secured.

To commemorate what has been achieved in Northern War On October 20, 1721, the Senate and Synod awarded the tsar the title of Father of the Fatherland, Peter the Great and Emperor of All Russia.

In 1723, after a month and a half of hostilities with Persia, Peter I received west bank Caspian Sea.

Simultaneously with the conduct of military operations, the vigorous activity of Peter I was aimed at carrying out numerous reforms, the purpose of which was to bring the country closer to European civilization, increase the education of the Russian people, strengthen the power and international situation Russia. The great tsar did a lot, here are just the main reforms of Peter I.

Reform of public administration of Peter I

Instead of the Boyar Duma, in 1700 the Council of Ministers was created, which met in the Near Chancellery, and in 1711 - the Senate, which by 1719 had become the highest government agency. With the creation of provinces, numerous Orders ceased to operate and were replaced by Collegiums, which were subordinate to the Senate. The secret police also operated in the management system - the Preobrazhensky order (in charge of cases of state crimes) and Secret Chancery. Both institutions were administered by the emperor himself.

Administrative reforms of Peter I

Regional (provincial) reform of Peter I

The largest administrative reform local government there was the creation in 1708 of 8 provinces headed by governors, in 1719 their number increased to 11. The second administrative reform divided the provinces into provinces headed by governors, and the provinces into districts (counties) headed by zemstvo commissars.

Urban reform (1699-1720)

To govern the city, the Burmister Chamber was created in Moscow, renamed the Town Hall in November 1699, and magistrates subordinate to the Chief Magistrate in St. Petersburg (1720). Members of the Town Hall and magistrates were elected by election.

Estate reforms

The main goal class reform Peter I was formalizing the rights and responsibilities of each class - the nobility, peasantry and urban population.

Nobility.


  1. Decree on estates (1704), according to which both boyars and nobles received estates and estates.

  2. Decree on Education (1706) - all boyar children are required to receive primary education.

  3. Decree on single inheritance (1714), according to which a nobleman could leave an inheritance to only one of his sons.

  4. Table of Ranks (1721): Service to the sovereign was divided into three departments - army, state and court - each of which was divided into 14 ranks. This document allowed a lower-class person to earn his way into the nobility.

Peasantry

Most of the peasants were serfs. Serfs could enroll as soldiers, which freed them from serfdom.

Among the free peasants were:


  • state-owned, with personal freedom, but limited in the right of movement (i.e., by the will of the monarch, they could be transferred to serfs);

  • palace ones that belonged personally to the king;

  • possessional, assigned to manufactories. The owner had no right to sell them.

Urban class

Urban people were divided into “regular” and “irregular”. The regulars were divided into guilds: 1st guild - the richest, 2nd guild - small traders and wealthy artisans. Irregulars, or “mean people,” made up the majority of the urban population.

In 1722, workshops appeared that united masters of the same craft.

Judicial reform of Peter I

Functions supreme court carried out by the Senate and the College of Justice. In the provinces there were court appeal courts and provincial courts headed by governors. Provincial courts dealt with the cases of peasants (except for monasteries) and townspeople not included in the settlement. Since 1721, court cases of townspeople included in the settlement were conducted by the magistrate. In other cases, cases were decided by the zemstvo or city judge alone.

Church reform of Peter I

Peter I abolished the patriarchate, deprived the church of power, and transferred its funds to the state treasury. Instead of the position of patriarch, the tsar introduced a collegial highest administrative church body - the Holy Synod.

Financial reforms of Peter I

First stage financial reform Peter I was reduced to collecting money to maintain the army and wage wars. Benefits from the monopoly sale of certain types of goods (vodka, salt, etc.) were added, and indirect taxes were introduced (bath taxes, horse taxes, beard taxes, etc.).

In 1704 it was held currency reform , according to which the main monetary unit became a penny. The fiat ruble was abolished.

Tax reform of Peter I consisted of a transition from household taxation to per capita taxation. In this regard, the government included in the tax all categories of the peasant and townspeople, who had previously been exempt from tax.

Thus, during tax reform of Peter I a single cash tax (poll tax) was introduced and the number of taxpayers was increased.

Social reforms of Peter I

Education reform of Peter I

In the period from 1700 to 1721. Many civilian and military schools were opened in Russia. These include the School of Mathematical and Navigational Sciences; artillery, engineering, medical, mining, garrison, theological schools; digital schools free training children of all ranks; Maritime Academy in St. Petersburg.

Peter I created the Academy of Sciences, under which the first Russian university, and with it the first gymnasium. But this system began to operate after the death of Peter.

Reforms of Peter I in culture

Peter I introduced a new alphabet, which facilitated learning to read and write and promoted book printing. The first Russian newspaper Vedomosti began to be published, and in 1703 the first book in Russian with Arabic numerals appeared.

The Tsar developed a plan for the stone construction of St. Petersburg, focusing on special attention the beauty of architecture. He invited foreign artists, and also sent talented young people abroad to study “arts”. Peter I laid the foundation for the Hermitage.

Medical reforms of Peter I

The main transformations were the opening of hospitals (1707 - the first Moscow military hospital) and schools attached to them, in which doctors and pharmacists were trained.

In 1700, pharmacies were established at all military hospitals. In 1701, Peter I issued a decree on the opening of eight private pharmacies in Moscow. Since 1704, state-owned pharmacies began to open in many cities of Russia.

For growing, studying, creating collections medicinal plants were created apothecary gardens, where seeds of foreign flora were also imported.

Socio-economic reforms of Peter I

For lifting industrial production and the development of trade relations with foreign countries, Peter I invited foreign specialists, but at the same time encouraged domestic industrialists and traders. Peter I sought to ensure that more goods were exported from Russia than were imported. During his reign, 200 plants and factories operated in Russia.

Reforms of Peter I in the army

Peter I introduced annual recruitment of young Russians (from 15 to 20 years old) and ordered the training of soldiers to begin. In 1716, the Military Regulations were published, outlining the service, rights and responsibilities of the military.

As a result military reform Peter I a powerful regular army and the Navy.

Peter's reform activities were supported wide range nobility, but caused discontent and resistance among the boyars, archers and clergy, because transformations entailed the loss of their leadership role in public administration. Among the opponents of Peter I's reforms was his son Alexei.

Results of the reforms of Peter I


  1. A regime of absolutism has been established in Russia. During the years of his reign, Peter created a state with a more advanced management system, strong army and a fleet, a stable economy. There was a centralization of power.

  2. Rapid development of foreign and domestic trade.

  3. The abolition of the patriarchate, the church lost its independence and authority in society.

  4. Tremendous progress has been made in the fields of science and culture. A task of national importance has been set - the creation of a Russian medical education, and also marked the beginning of Russian surgery.

Features of the reforms of Peter I


  1. The reforms were carried out according to the European model and covered all spheres of activity and life of society.

  2. Lack of a reform system.

  3. Reforms were carried out mainly through harsh exploitation and coercion.

  4. Peter, impatient by nature, innovated at a rapid pace.

Reasons for the reforms of Peter I

TO XVIII century Russia was a backward country. She was significantly inferior Western European countries in terms of production volume in industry, level of education and culture (even in the ruling circles there were many illiterate people). The boyar aristocracy, which stood at the head state apparatus, did not meet the needs of the country. Russian army, consisting of archers and noble militia, was poorly armed, untrained and could not cope with its task.

Prerequisites for the reforms of Peter I

In the course of the history of our country, by this time significant shifts in its development had already occurred. The city separated from the village, a division occurred agriculture and crafts arose industrial enterprises manufacturing type. Internal and foreign trade. Russia borrowed from Western Europe technology and science, culture and education, but at the same time developed independently. Thus, the ground was already prepared for Peter's reforms.

Most of all, Peter I was interested in the idea of ​​a fleet and the possibility of trade relations with Europe. To put his ideas into practice, he equipped the Grand Embassy and visited a number of European countries, where he saw how Russia lagged behind in its development.

This event in the life of the young king marked the beginning of his transformative activities. The first reforms of Peter I were aimed at changing the external signs of Russian life: he ordered beards to be shaved and ordered to dress in European clothes, introduced music, tobacco, balls and other innovations into the life of Moscow society, which shocked it.

By decree of December 20, 1699, Peter I approved the calendar from the Nativity of Christ and the celebration of the New Year on January 1.

Foreign policy of Peter I

The main goal of Peter I's foreign policy was access to the Baltic Sea, which would provide Russia with a connection with Western Europe. In 1699, Russia, having entered into an alliance with Poland and Denmark, declared war on Sweden. The outcome of the Northern War, which lasted 21 years, was influenced by the Russian victory in the Battle of Poltava on June 27, 1709. and victory over the Swedish fleet at Gangut on July 27, 1714.

On August 30, 1721, the Treaty of Nystadt was signed, according to which Russia retained the conquered lands of Livonia, Estonia, Ingria, part of Karelia and all the islands of the Gulf of Finland and Riga. Access to the Baltic Sea was secured.

To commemorate the achievements in the Northern War, the Senate and Synod on October 20, 1721 awarded the Tsar the title of Father of the Fatherland, Peter the Great and Emperor of All Russia.

In 1723, after a month and a half of hostilities with Persia, Peter I acquired the western shore of the Caspian Sea.

Simultaneously with the conduct of military operations, the vigorous activity of Peter I was aimed at carrying out numerous reforms, the purpose of which was to bring the country closer to European civilization, increase the education of the Russian people, and strengthen the power and international position of Russia. The great tsar did a lot, here are just the main reforms of Peter I.

Reform of public administration of Peter I

Instead of the Boyar Duma, in 1700 the Council of Ministers was created, which met in the Near Chancellery, and in 1711 - the Senate, which by 1719 had become the highest state body. With the creation of provinces, numerous Orders ceased to operate and were replaced by Collegiums, which were subordinate to the Senate. The secret police also operated in the control system - the Preobrazhensky order (in charge of state crimes) and the Secret Chancellery. Both institutions were administered by the emperor himself.

Administrative reforms of Peter I

Regional (provincial) reform of Peter I

The largest administrative reform of local government was the creation in 1708 of 8 provinces headed by governors, in 1719 their number increased to 11. The second administrative reform divided the provinces into provinces headed by governors, and the provinces into districts (counties) headed with zemstvo commissars.

Urban reform (1699-1720)

To govern the city, the Burmister Chamber was created in Moscow, renamed the Town Hall in November 1699, and magistrates subordinate to the Chief Magistrate in St. Petersburg (1720). Members of the Town Hall and magistrates were elected by election.

Estate reforms

The main goal of the class reform of Peter I was to formalize the rights and responsibilities of each class - the nobility, peasantry and urban population.

Nobility.

  1. Decree on estates (1704), according to which both boyars and nobles received estates and estates.
  2. Decree on Education (1706) - all boyar children are required to receive primary education.
  3. Decree on single inheritance (1714), according to which a nobleman could leave an inheritance to only one of his sons.
  4. Table of Ranks (1722): service to the sovereign was divided into three departments - army, state and court - each of which was divided into 14 ranks. This document allowed a lower-class person to earn his way into the nobility.

Peasantry

Most of the peasants were serfs. Serfs could enroll as soldiers, which freed them from serfdom.

Among the free peasants were:

  • state-owned, with personal freedom, but limited in the right of movement (i.e., by the will of the monarch, they could be transferred to serfs);
  • palace ones that belonged personally to the king;
  • possessional, assigned to manufactories. The owner had no right to sell them.

Urban class

Urban people were divided into “regular” and “irregular”. The regulars were divided into guilds: 1st guild - the richest, 2nd guild - small traders and wealthy artisans. Irregulars, or “mean people,” made up the majority of the urban population.

In 1722, workshops appeared that united masters of the same craft.

Judicial reform of Peter I

The functions of the Supreme Court were carried out by the Senate and the Justice Collegium. In the provinces there were court appeal courts and provincial courts headed by governors. Provincial courts dealt with the cases of peasants (except for monasteries) and townspeople not included in the settlement. Since 1721, court cases of townspeople included in the settlement were conducted by the magistrate. In other cases, cases were decided by the zemstvo or city judge alone.

Church reform of Peter I

Peter I abolished the patriarchate, deprived the church of power, and transferred its funds to the state treasury. Instead of the position of patriarch, the tsar introduced a collegial highest administrative church body - the Holy Synod.

Financial reforms of Peter I

The first stage of Peter I's financial reform boiled down to collecting money for maintaining the army and waging wars. Benefits from the monopoly sale of certain types of goods (vodka, salt, etc.) were added, and indirect taxes were introduced (bath taxes, horse taxes, beard taxes, etc.).

In 1704 it was held currency reform, according to which the kopeck became the main monetary unit. The fiat ruble was abolished.

Tax reform of Peter I consisted of a transition from household taxation to per capita taxation. In this regard, the government included in the tax all categories of the peasant and townspeople, who had previously been exempt from tax.

Thus, during tax reform of Peter I a single cash tax (poll tax) was introduced and the number of taxpayers was increased.

Social reforms of Peter I

Education reform of Peter I

In the period from 1700 to 1721. Many civilian and military schools were opened in Russia. These include the School of Mathematical and Navigational Sciences; artillery, engineering, medical, mining, garrison, theological schools; digital schools for free education for children of all ranks; Maritime Academy in St. Petersburg.

Peter I created the Academy of Sciences, under which the first Russian university was established, and with it the first gymnasium. But this system began to operate after the death of Peter.

Reforms of Peter I in culture

Peter I introduced a new alphabet, which facilitated learning to read and write and promoted book printing. The first Russian newspaper Vedomosti began to be published, and in 1703 the first book in Russian with Arabic numerals appeared.

The Tsar developed a plan for the stone construction of St. Petersburg, paying special attention to the beauty of the architecture. He invited foreign artists, and also sent talented young people abroad to study “arts”. Peter I laid the foundation for the Hermitage.

Medical reforms of Peter I

The main transformations were the opening of hospitals (1707 - the first Moscow military hospital) and schools attached to them, in which doctors and pharmacists were trained.

In 1700, pharmacies were established at all military hospitals. In 1701, Peter I issued a decree on the opening of eight private pharmacies in Moscow. Since 1704, state-owned pharmacies began to open in many cities of Russia.

To grow, study, and create collections of medicinal plants, apothecary gardens were created, where seeds of foreign flora were imported.

Socio-economic reforms of Peter I

To boost industrial production and develop trade relations with foreign countries, Peter I invited foreign specialists, but at the same time encouraged domestic industrialists and traders. Peter I sought to ensure that more goods were exported from Russia than were imported. During his reign, 200 plants and factories operated in Russia.

Reforms of Peter I in the army

Peter I introduced annual recruitment of young Russians (from 15 to 20 years old) and ordered the training of soldiers to begin. In 1716, the Military Regulations were published, outlining the service, rights and responsibilities of the military.

As a result military reform of Peter I a powerful regular army and navy were created.

Peter's reform activities had the support of a wide circle of the nobility, but caused discontent and resistance among the boyars, archers and clergy, because the transformations entailed the loss of their leadership role in public administration. Among the opponents of Peter I's reforms was his son Alexei.

Results of the reforms of Peter I

  1. A regime of absolutism has been established in Russia. During the years of his reign, Peter created a state with a more advanced management system, a strong army and navy, and a stable economy. There was a centralization of power.
  2. Rapid development of foreign and domestic trade.
  3. The abolition of the patriarchate, the church lost its independence and authority in society.
  4. Tremendous progress has been made in the fields of science and culture. A task of national importance was set - the creation of Russian medical education, and the beginning of Russian surgery was laid.

Features of the reforms of Peter I

  1. The reforms were carried out according to the European model and covered all spheres of activity and life of society.
  2. Lack of reform system.
  3. Reforms were carried out mainly through harsh exploitation and coercion.
  4. Peter, impatient by nature, innovated at a rapid pace.

Reasons for the reforms of Peter I

By the 18th century, Russia was a backward country. It was significantly inferior to Western European countries in terms of industrial output, level of education and culture (even in the ruling circles there were many illiterate people). The boyar aristocracy, which headed the state apparatus, did not meet the needs of the country. The Russian army, consisting of archers and noble militia, was poorly armed, untrained and could not cope with its task.

Prerequisites for the reforms of Peter I

In the course of the history of our country, by this time significant shifts in its development had already occurred. The city separated from the village, agriculture and crafts were separated, and manufacturing-type industrial enterprises arose. Domestic and foreign trade developed. Russia borrowed technology and science, culture and education from Western Europe, but at the same time developed independently. Thus, the ground was already prepared for Peter's reforms.



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