Peter the Great's Complex Thoughts on Moscow

What were Peter the Great's thoughts on Moscow?

a. hated it
b. loved it

Answer:

Peter the Great had complex feelings towards Moscow, recognizing Russia's need to westernize and modernize. He envied Europe's advancements and feared Russia's expansionist tendencies, but he loved Moscow's potential and sought to implement European advancements there.

Explanation:

When considering what Peter the Great thought of Moscow, it's important to understand his broader views on Russia and its position in the world. Peter's thoughts were complex. On one hand, there was an economic envy because of Russia's immense natural resources but also a fear of the country's expansionist motives under an autocratic government. Both Peter and Catherine the Great recognized that Russia would need to westernize if it was to grow economically and politically.

However, by the 1800s, although tsars attempted to modernize Russia, reforms thought to undermine absolute rule led to Russia remaining economically underdeveloped. Peter the Great, also known as Peter I, saw that Russia lagged behind Europe in many respects. His visit to Europe in disguise for 18 months to study shipbuilding and new administrative techniques reveals his ambition to modernize his realm and establish the Russian Empire.

This suggests that he loved the advancements he saw in Europe and desired to implement similar ones in Moscow and the wider Russian Empire. Therefore, based on the information provided, Peter's thoughts towards Moscow were likely that he loved its potential but also recognized its need for transformation.