Podcast Summary: The Rest Is History - Episode 562: Peter the Great: The Rise of Russia (Part 1)

Release Date: May 4, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Rest Is History, hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook delve into the tumultuous rise of Peter the Great, exploring his early life, the political intrigue surrounding his ascent to power, and the foundational events that shaped modern Russia. Through gripping storytelling and expert analysis, Tom and Dominic bring to life the dramatic episodes that defined Peter's reign and his transformative impact on the Russian Empire.

Historical Context and the Great Northern War

The episode opens with a powerful rendition of Peter the Great's proclamation to his troops on June 26, 1709, on the eve of the Battle of Poltava, a decisive conflict in the Great Northern War. Dominic Sandbrook highlights the war's significance in establishing Russia as a burgeoning European superpower.

Dominic Sandbrook [01:25]: "It's a great war because it marks the definitive emergence of Russia as the superpower that it will be from that point on."

Tom concurs, emphasizing the war's pivotal role in reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

Tom Holland [01:52]: "I love the Great Northern War. It genuinely is a great war."

Peter the Great's Early Life and Family Dynamics

Peter's journey begins in Moscow, born on May 30, 1672, to Tsar Alexis and Natalia Narishkina. His early years were marred by familial strife and power struggles, particularly between his mother's Narishkin family and the deceased first wife Maria Miloslavskaya's Miloslavski family. The young Peter, described as remarkably tall and physically imposing, was thrust into a court rife with tension.

Tom Holland [04:09]: "Peter became czar of Russia when he was 10. His early life was scarred by the most horrific violence."

The rivalry between the Narishkins and Miloslavskis set the stage for future conflicts, especially following the untimely deaths of Peter's half-brothers, Fedor and Ivan.

The Streltsy Mutiny and Rise to Power

In 1682, a succession crisis erupted when Peter's older half-brother Fedor, a sickly and weak ruler, passed away, leaving only Ivan, who was mentally and physically impaired, as a potential successor. The Streltsy, Russia's first professional standing army, became a central player in the ensuing power struggle.

Dominic narrates the dramatic mutiny orchestrated by Sophia Miloslavskaya, Fedor's sister, who sought to place Ivan on the throne with herself as regent. Through manipulation and inciting the Streltsy's discontent, Sophia aimed to maintain her family's influence.

Tom Holland [20:11]: "Fedor is quite nice to Peter and he's a little bit of a reformer, Fedor, but he dies young as well."

The mutiny culminates in a violent crackdown led by Natalia Narishkina and Chief Minister Artemon Matveyev, resulting in the massacre of mutineers and solidifying Peter's position as a co-tsar alongside Ivan.

Dominic Sandbrook [27:17]: "That's exactly what it is. It's exactly... a sort of Godfather moment."

Despite the apparent stability, underlying tensions and power plays continued to threaten Peter's rule, setting the stage for his eventual consolidation of power.

Peter's Passions and Western Influences

As a young man, Peter developed a fervent interest in shipbuilding and Western technology, a passion that would later culminate in his efforts to modernize Russia. His fascination with the sea led him to collaborate with Dutch experts, significantly influencing his vision for a naval Russia.

Tom Holland [50:21]: "And so Peter basically gets permission to go to a lake. He builds a boatyard on this lake."

This period of exploration and learning abroad underscored Peter's desire to break free from Russia's medieval past and align it more closely with Western European powers.

Political Intrigue and Exile

The episode further explores the continuous power struggles within the Russian court, including the failed military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and the strained relationships with key figures like Prince Vasily Vasilyevich Golitsyn. These conflicts eventually led to Peter's temporary exile and the continued influence of regents like Sophia.

Dominic Sandbrook [60:10]: "That's a terrible fate for a man who likes a harpsichord, isn't it?"

Despite setbacks, Peter's resilience and strategic alliances, exemplified by the support of foreign officers like General Gordon, paved the way for his eventual triumph and the further shaping of the Russian Empire.

Character Insights and Notable Quotations

Throughout the episode, Tom and Dominic provide vivid character portrayals and poignant quotations that encapsulate the essence of Peter's reign and the surrounding political landscape:

• Peter the Great's Resolve:

  "Remember as you fight that God and truth are on our side." [00:26]

• Sophia Miloslavskaya's Manipulation:

  "If you don't strike against me, you have to kill him now." [40:37]

• General Gordon's Support for Peter:

  "You always should back that person. The more ruthless, the more dangerous of the two parties, and that is Peter." [58:38]

Conclusion and Teasers for Part 2

As the episode concludes, Tom and Dominic tease the forthcoming segments, hinting at Peter's further Western ventures, his definitive break from the old Russian traditions, and the monumental Battle of Poltava. They emphasize Peter's unyielding determination to modernize Russia, setting the stage for Russia's transformation into a major European power.

Dominic Sandbrook [62:36]: "We've got Peter's gap year in Western Europe, going to Holland, going to England, he gets his revenge on the Streltsy."

Listeners are invited to join The Rest Is History Club for exclusive content and early access to upcoming episodes that continue unraveling Peter the Great's remarkable legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Peter the Great's Early Challenges: From a tumultuous childhood marked by familial power struggles to surviving a violent mutiny, Peter's formative years were fraught with adversity that shaped his future leadership.

• The Great Northern War: A defining conflict that not only established Russia as a European superpower but also laid the groundwork for Peter's ambitious modernization efforts.

• Western Influences: Peter's exposure to Western technology and naval practices was instrumental in his vision to transform Russia, breaking away from its isolationist and medieval past.

• Political Intrigue: The intricate power plays within the Russian court, including the manipulation by Sophia Miloslavskaya and alliances with foreign military leaders, were pivotal in Peter's rise to power.

• Legacy of the Streltsy: The actions and eventual rebellion of the Streltsy highlighted the fragility of Peter's early rule and his determination to centralize authority and modernize the Russian military.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue to explore the rise of Peter the Great, his transformative policies, and the enduring impact of his reign on Russia and the world.