Imperial Russia 1700-1917 module (HY32025)

This module is a general survey of Russian history from the reign of Peter the Great to the 1917 Revolution. It will provide you with an introduction to the major developments in Imperial Russian history, focusing on the major debates about the historical development of the state, society, culture and economy in Russia.

The approach is broadly chronological, but certain issues run through the course as a whole, including the question of continuity and change, authoritarianism, empire-building and national identity.

Indicative content:

• The reforms of Peter the Great
• the growth of the Russian Empire;
• the structure of Russian society;
• peasant culture;
• popular rebellions;
• the reforms of Catherine the Great;
• Russian nationalism;
• the reforms of Alexander II;
• the revolutionary movement;
• the demise of Imperial Russia.