ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a concise sketch of political developments from the death of Peter in 1725 through the end of Catherine’s reign in 1796, analyzes throughout the eighteenth century Russia’s expansion and colonization, its economic and social development, the changing role of the nobility, and the spread of education and culture. Beginning with Peter’s death and ending with the Decembrist Revolt of 1825, the question of who was to sit on the tsarist throne created political turmoil and imperial insecurity in Russia. Catherine I, the second wife of Peter the Great, was of humble Latvian origins but had the backing of Peter’s colleagues and friends, although Peter’s grandson, another Peter, was the logical heir. Throughout the 1700s but particularly during Catherine’s reign Russia continued to expand its frontiers in all directions and to settle new areas. By 1800 the Russian state was an enormous, multinational empire, prominent in both Europe and Asia, as it has been ever since.
