Podcast Summary: The Rest Is History – Episode 563: Peter the Great: Bloodbath in the Kremlin (Part 2)

Released on May 7, 2025 by Goalhanger

In this riveting second installment of their deep dive into the life of Peter the Great, hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook explore the tumultuous journey of one of Russia's most transformative and brutal rulers. This episode meticulously unpacks Peter's covert travels to Western Europe, his cultural immersions, and the ruthless consolidation of power upon his return to Russia. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the episode.

1. Peter the Great's Incognito Journey to Western Europe

The episode begins with Peter the Great assuming an incognito identity, "Peter Mikhailov," to embark on an unprecedented "gap year" across Western Europe. This daring move underscores his fervent desire to modernize Russia by immersing himself in Western culture and technology.

Notable Quote:

• Tom Holland [02:28]: "So he's... behaving in ludicrous ways. Wheelbarrow races. We both love a wheelbarrow race."

2. Cultural Observations and Modernizing Ambitions

During his travels, Peter engages with various Western practices and innovations. His fascination with shipbuilding in Holland leads him to design a Russian naval flag inspired by the Dutch States General, foreshadowing Russia's burgeoning naval ambitions.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominic Sandbrook [13:42]: "So it's Dutch, exactly."
• Tom Holland [28:05]: "And the other thing he's very keen on is the techniques that are being developed by Dutch anatomists to preserve corpses."

3. Challenges and Adaptations in England

Peter's arrival in London presents both cultural marvels and practical challenges. His attempts to integrate are met with public fascination, leading to unintentional notoriety. Despite his efforts to work anonymously, his towering stature and distinct accent make anonymity elusive.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominic Sandbrook [25:47]: "But by the end of the week, he's only been there a week. And it's absolutely ludicrous scenes because by now hundreds of people have come from Amsterdam to watch him working."
• Tom Holland [29:02]: "But Dominic, I've mentioned it before, but the brilliant evocation of all this, the japes and the pranks."

4. Return to Russia and Ruthless Reforms

Upon receiving alarming news of a potential mutiny by the Streltsi—elite soldiers loyal to his sister Sophia—Peter aborts his European sojourn to return to Moscow. His return is marked by extreme brutality as he swiftly eliminates threats to his authority, including the execution and public punishment of mutineers.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominic Sandbrook [54:17]: "He will absolutely join in and he will be beating these people with an ivory handled cane."
• Tom Holland [58:23]: "So not so jolly now."

5. Westernization of Russian Society

With the elimination of the Streltsi, Peter enforces sweeping cultural and societal reforms to Westernize Russia. This includes:

• Dress Code Overhaul: Shaving beards, banning traditional caftans, and enforcing Western attire such as waistcoats and britches.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Dominic Sandbrook [50:12]: "So basically, up to this point, Russian noblemen had worn these caftans... he cuts the sleeves of people's robes off."

• Calendar and Coinage Reformation: Adopting the Julian calendar and standardizing coinage based on Western models.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Dominic Sandbrook [51:04]: "He changes the calendar... they adopt the Julian calendar."

6. Alliance with Augustus the Strong and the Prelude to War

Peter's interactions with Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, lay the groundwork for the Great Northern War. Their mutual disdain for the Swedes catalyzes a strategic alliance aiming to dominate the Baltic region.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominic Sandbrook [45:20]: "He loves a cabinet of curiosities, doesn't he?"
• Tom Holland [60:15]: "Exactly. So the News of the treaty reaches Moscow on the 18th of August, 1700, and they have a massive fireworks display in celebration. And the very next day, the 19th of August, 1700, Peter declares war on Sweden."

7. Consolidation of Absolute Power

Peter's relentless pursuit of modernization is juxtaposed with his tyrannical methods. The episode highlights his capacity for both visionary leadership and extreme violence, illustrating the complex legacy he leaves behind.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominic Sandbrook [58:51]: "Robert K. Massey, his biographer, he doesn't say he was, but he says this was a public demonstration of Peter's seriousness about his project."
• Tom Holland [50:16]: "Dominic, when we talk about the stigma around mental health, it is tempting to think of it as a modern issue..."

8. Conclusion and Foreshadowing the Great Northern War

The episode concludes with Peter's declaration of war against Sweden, marking the onset of the Great Northern War. This pivotal moment signals a significant shift in Northern and Eastern European power dynamics, setting the stage for future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Holland [61:17]: "And as we say next week, the Great Northern War. So bye. Bye."
• Dominic Sandbrook [61:18]: "Yeah. And as we say next week, the Great Northern War."

Final Thoughts

Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook adeptly balance engaging storytelling with scholarly analysis, bringing to life the duality of Peter the Great as both a modernizer and a ruthless autocrat. This episode not only sheds light on Peter's complex personality and policies but also sets the groundwork for understanding the profound impact of the Great Northern War on Russia and Europe.

Listeners are encouraged to join the Rest Is History Club for exclusive content and early access to future episodes that continue to explore the intricate tapestry of historical events and figures.