Peter the Great's reform is called "compulsory modernization movement", which has had a far-reaching impact on Russian history and culture. Before Peter, Russia was a backward marginal country in Europe. Historically, Russia's predecessor, Kiev Ross, was once a part of European civilization. In the early Middle Ages, Kiev played an important role in the Black Sea trade by virtue of its relationship with Constantinople Empire. However, the decline of ancient Russia caused a rift between it and modern Russia. Among them, the Mongolian conquest in the 13th century had the greatest influence on Russia. On the one hand, the rule of the Golden Horde actually promoted the rise and unification of the new Russian forces centered on Moscow; On the other hand, the rule of Mongols cut off the traditional ties between Russia and Europe, making it miss the first wave of early modernization in Europe and break away from the mainstream of Europe.

In short, the contents of Peter the Great's reform include:

First, reform the army, strengthen national defense, seize the right to control the sea, create a new army, and implement a compulsory conscription system. Open a new military academy. Introduce new weapons and strategies and tactics. Establish Russia's first navy.

Second, reform and improve the state administrative organs.

In order to consolidate local government institutions, 1708+65438 February 8, Peter ordered the country to be divided into eight provinces, and in 2004, three more provinces were added. Each province has 1 governor with administrative and military powers. 17 19, while retaining the provincial organizational system, the whole country was divided into 50 states, and each state had a complete administrative organization.

Peter I paid special attention to the reform of the central administrative organs of the state. 1711On February 22nd, Peter ordered the establishment of the Senate to replace the original Duma.

With the completion of the reform of state institutions, in order to improve the working efficiency of state institutions, the government of Peter I promulgated the decree of "official rank list" on June 24, 2000/722. This is a new system of selecting officials, which is conducive to stimulating the ambition and enthusiasm of civil and military officials.

Third, carry out religious reform and strengthen imperial power.

Peter I not only carried out drastic military and administrative reforms, but also boldly carried out religious reforms despite the opposition of church forces. In the end, the czar was called the "supreme patriarch" of the Orthodox Church.

Fourth, reform and develop cultural and educational undertakings.

Peter I appointed governments at all levels to directly manage education, set up various schools, set up primary schools in various counties of Russia, carried out intensive education for aristocratic children, and sent overseas students to study in western European countries.

Fifth, vigorously develop industry and commerce. Carry out mercantilism. Recruit a large number of technical experts from abroad. Send a large number of international students to western Europe to learn western science, culture and advanced technology.

Sixth, establish a new capital, Petersburg. The establishment of St. Petersburg on the Neva River has become a "window" in Europe.

Peter the Great's reform has achieved great results and influence: Russia finally defeated Sweden in the Northern War, which made it devastated and gained control of the Baltic Sea. Russia jumped from a marginal country to a European power, and Peter the Great brought backward Russia to the threshold of the modern world. Among them, Russian culture has fallen to the European cultural system, and learning from Europe has become Russia's development strategy in the next few centuries. At the same time, the strengthening of the imperial power of Peter the Great further established the tradition of absolutism for Russia. In particular, the upper classes of Russia are ambitious rulers who want to make it strong through top-down means. This will also affect the establishment of the Soviet Stalin model. Accordingly, the Russian people naturally have a layer of servility that obeys authority.