Unit 3 Russian Absolutism

Nicole MillerPer. 5

Task

2010- Compare and Contrast the economic and social development of Russia with that of the

Netherlands in the period 1600-1725

Russian Flag, Dutch Flag

Thesis

Even though Russia and the Netherlands had major contrasts socially with religious reforms and social status and state as well as economical differences with economy methods, they both had some similarities with restive nobility, struggling with financing for the military, and increasing government revenue during the time period of the 1600-1725.

Compare: Restive Nobility

Netherlands Regents in each province

jealously guarded local independence and resisted efforts at centralization

Hereditary Monarchy

Russia Under Peter the Great:Forced nobility to enlist into the military; service nobility Interlocking-military

bureaucracy

Compare: Struggling Finance for Military

Netherlands Wars costly drained on

Dutch labor and finance resources

1670s: War with France (Louis XIV) and England

Russia Had a very large standing

army Consisted of boyars,

service nobility, and foot soldiers

Great Northern War (1700-1721) against Charles XII of Sweden

Compare: Increasing Government Revenues

Netherlands “Golden Age of the

Netherlands” Fishing Industry 1602: Dutch East Indian

Company 1621: Dutch West Indian

Company

Russia Peter the Great used

serfdom and the constructing of St. Petersburg

Serfs were arbitrarily assigned to work in factories and mines

Building St. Petersburg

Contrast: Religious ReformNetherlands

Practiced religious toleration

Welcomed all faiths within their borders

Urban Dutch society allowed for religious freedom

Attracted a great deal of foreign capital and investment

Russia Secularized the Church

and Reform by Nikon Monasteries votchiny Reform on the Russian

Orthodox Church “Old Believers”

Contrast: Social Status and State

Netherlands The Dutch were not

monarchial but fiercely republican; weak confederation

Nobility defined by commercial excellence

Middle Class

Russia Absolute monarchy and

militarized state Service nobility based on

merits No Middle Class Serfdom

Contrast: Economy Methods

Netherlands Commercial and

Mercantilism policies Merchant marine Dealt with bulk Trade and Commerce

Russia Agriculture and Warfare

based Modest Territorial

Expansion St. Petersburg Traditional Agriculture

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Russia and the Netherlands had few similarities like facing the nobility, trying to finance wars, and creating their economy. However, there were major differences in dealing with religious reforms, the social structure of the state, and how they developed their economy.