A Very Brief Look at Russian History - 2171 Words

The country of Russia has a rich history which, unfortunately, cannot be discussed in its entirety within the context of this briefing book. It should be noted that early modern Russia is often characterized by the strong rulers that presided at the time, and the legacies they left that have helped shape Russia. The beginning of modern Russia begins with Peter the Great, who began a period of reforms and westernization under his reign. He brought many European customs to the elites, attempting to eradicate some archaic practices, as well as introducing technology that Russia sorely lacked. He modernized the military, attempting to thrust Russia onto the international stage and make the country a contender in world politics. He also consolidated the country under his rule, even going so far as to move the capital to St. Petersburg. Often these reforms were financed and instituted with the labor of peasants, so his legacy remains controversial. Peter’s reforms were furthered by Catherine the Great, a liberal reformer at the onset of her reign. Due to her, Russia’s influence expanded within Europe and Asia. However, she reversed many reforms later on, contributing to the strife felt by the peasantry. Another phase in Russia’s history that is notable is that of Napoleon†™s ill-conceived incursion into the country in 1812. Instead of fighting conventionally, Russia’s military generals prudently decided to try a defensive approach, whereby they retreated and left a barrenShow MoreRelatedAnalysis On Barge Haulers On The Volga 1449 Words   |  6 PagesVolga Barge Haulers on the Volga is a painting by Ilya Yafimovich Repin. It uses oil on canvas, and stretches to 131.5 cm Ãâ€" 281 cm. It was painted in the early 1870’s and currently hangs in the State Russian Museum. Repin painted Barge Haulers on the Volga during a very turbulent time in Russian history. This was a difficult time for laborers in Russia, the time of early Marxism, which is a worldview that uses materialism in order to dispute the value of capitalism. Barge Haulers on the Volga epitomizesRead MoreHow Did The Minie Ball Affect Infantry Tactics During The U.s. Civil War?1630 Words   |  7 Pagesunpredictable angle, it was much more accurate. When the bullet arrived in the United States, James Burton at the arsenal in Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, simplified the bullet into the .58 calibre widely used in the Civil War (Leonard â€Å"The Bullet That Changed History†). The ball, made of soft lead, featured a conical shape and a hollow center. This allowed i t to expand to fit the barrel when shot out of the gun and easily engage the rifling, making it more aerodynamic and capable of flying at further distancesRead MoreThe Humble Beginnings Of The Rus Lands1563 Words   |  7 Pagesarrived with the unifying nature of Christianity, brought upon by Vladimir the Great. 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The economical, social (culture), political, legal and institutional market environment factors have to be taken in to consideration when deciding to move in to other countriesRead More The Incredible Power of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich1328 Words   |  6 PagesIncredible Power of One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It has been Russian writers in particular, who for two centuries have struggled against censorship and oppression to accomplish two great tasks: to create innovative and meaningful art, and to use that art to make a statement about a specifically Russian predicament. So often the theme was political, and so many generations of Russians criticised Mother Russia for her backward ways. 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Google gave it to them with no questions. Everything is ok though because Google sent you an email saying the Russian Government was investigating something and needed your account. Would you feel better if they asked you before they took your files? Most people wouldRead MoreAnalysis Of Oleg Cassini s King Of Bridal 1325 Words   |  6 PagesAmerican history. He was born in Paris on April 11, 1913 to the Count and Countess Cassini, his grandfather being the Peking Imperial Russian Ambassador. He grew up with his younger brother, Igor Cassini, who turned out t o be very similar in many ways. As a child he spent most of his life traveling from Russia, Denmark, and Copenhagen due to his father’s occupation. When he became a young adult his dream was to become a soldier or diplomat. He was unable to fulfill his dream when the Russian empireRead MoreBudget As Policy And Strategy1683 Words   |  7 PagesEuropean allies has made them vulnerable and more dependent. Therefore, the new NATO strategy urges the NATO states to spend 2% of their GDP on defense. Throughout the history, DOD has experienced increased and decrease in its budget by the executive and legislative. But the Strategic Choices and Management Review was an opportunity to look at the national security from the prospect of the budgeting. While there were lots of concerns and critics about the US expenditure on defense and its engagements