Question

Как вы понимаете выражение историка В.О. Ключевского "Россия отдыхала от Петра"? Что было характерно для развития России во второй четверти-середине восемнадцатого века?

Answer 1

Экономическое и социальное развитие России определялось усло­виями и ходом реализации крестьянской реформы. С 1861 г. капита­лизм начал утверждаться как господствующая общественно-экономичес­кая система. Наряду с общими закономерностями в России имелись и существенные особенности развития капитализма. Это объяснялось со­хранением традиционных структур в экономике и социально-полити­ческой сфере: помещичья собственность на землю; деление общества на сословия и их неравноправность; самодержавие, защищавшее интересы помещиков и опиравшееся на военно-полицейский аппарат.

Answer 2

Understanding V.O. Klyuchevsky's Expression "Russia Rested from Peter"

The expression "Russia rested from Peter" is attributed to the Russian historian V.O. Klyuchevsky. It refers to a period in Russian history following the reign of Peter the Great (1682-1725). According to Klyuchevsky, this period was characterized by a relative stabilization and consolidation of the reforms initiated by Peter the Great. It was a time when Russia, having undergone significant transformations under Peter's rule, had the opportunity to consolidate and internalize these changes.

Characteristics of Russia's Development in the Second Quarter-Mid-18th Century

During the second quarter to the mid-18th century, several characteristics were notable in the development of Russia:

1. Continuation of Peter the Great's Reforms: The reforms initiated by Peter the Great continued to shape Russia's development during this period. These reforms aimed to modernize and Westernize Russia, with a focus on areas such as governance, military, industry, and culture.

2. Consolidation of Centralized Power: The period saw the consolidation of centralized power in Russia. Peter the Great's reforms had strengthened the authority of the tsar and the central government, leading to a more centralized and bureaucratic state structure.

3. Expansion of the Russian Empire: Russia continued its territorial expansion during this period. The empire expanded its borders through military campaigns and diplomatic negotiations, acquiring new territories in the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.

4. Economic Development: The 18th century witnessed some economic development in Russia. The growth of industries, such as mining, metallurgy, and textile production, contributed to the expansion of the Russian economy. However, the agricultural sector remained dominant, with serfdom still prevalent.

5. Cultural and Intellectual Progress: The period saw the emergence of a vibrant cultural and intellectual scene in Russia. The Russian Enlightenment, influenced by European ideas, fostered the development of literature, arts, and sciences. Figures like Mikhail Lomonosov and Denis Fonvizin made significant contributions to Russian culture and intellectual life.

6. Social Hierarchy and Serfdom: Despite some changes, the social hierarchy remained deeply entrenched in Russian society. Serfdom, a system of feudal labor obligations, continued to be a significant feature of rural life, with the majority of the population being serfs.

7. Foreign Policy Challenges: Russia faced various foreign policy challenges during this period. It engaged in conflicts with neighboring powers, such as the Ottoman Empire and Sweden, as it sought to expand its influence and secure its borders.

It is important to note that