Dan Snow's History Hit Saint Petersburg: Putin's Hometown
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Apr 6, 2025 Sinclair McKay, a historian and author of 'Saint Petersburg: Sacrifice and Redemption in the City That Defied Hitler', shares the fascinating history of Saint Petersburg, from its founding by Peter the Great to its role in modern Russia. He discusses the city's dramatic transformation into a cultural capital and its pivotal role during the Russian Revolution. The brutal Siege of Leningrad is examined, highlighting the resilience of its citizens amid starvation and despair, ultimately leading to the emergence of influential figures, including Vladimir Putin.
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Peter's City
- Peter the Great, obsessed with Westernizing Russia, built St. Petersburg as a "window to the West."
- The city was built with slave labor, showcasing European architecture and culture.
Trade and Class
- St. Petersburg quickly became a hub for Russian foreign trade, handling 90% within two decades.
- It attracted noble families and became a center of high culture and class politics.
1905 Revolution
- The 1905 revolution started with a peaceful march on the Winter Palace, where troops opened fire.
- This led to widespread unrest across Russia and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
