

562. Peter the Great: The Rise of Russia (Part 1)
291 snips May 4, 2025
Delve into the bloody early life of Peter the Great, marked by palace coups and political intrigue. Discover how a violent uprising shaped his destiny and the Russian court's power dynamics. Hear about his transformative experiences that laid the groundwork for his leadership during the Great Northern War. Explore his dramatic rise from childhood ambitions to military innovations as he established Russia's superpower status. This tumultuous tale blends bloodshed, ambition, and the quest for national identity, setting the stage for a legendary reign.
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Peter Marks Russia's Superpower Rise
- Peter the Great's rise marks Russia's definitive emergence as a superpower.
- His life symbolized Russia's struggle between its medieval past and Western progress.
Moscow: Backward and Isolated
- 17th-century Moscow was a backward, dangerous place plagued by fire and plague.
- It was a largely illiterate, Orthodox society isolated from Western Europe culturally and militarily.
Kremlin: Heart of Intrigue
- The Kremlin was a fortified citadel central to Russian power and intrigue.
- It housed brutal palace politics, including deadly feuds affecting Peter's early life.