The Modernisation of Russia, 1676–1825
The Modernisation of Russia, 1676–1825
This is the first book to place Russia's 'long' eighteenth century squarely in its European context. The conceptual framework is set out in an opening critique of modernisation which, while rejecting its linear implications, maintains its focus on the relationship between government, economy and society. Following a chronological introduction, a series of thematic chapters (covering topics such as finance and taxation, society, government and politics, culture, ideology, and economy) emphasise the ways in which Russia's international ambitions as an emerging great power provoked administrative and fiscal reforms with wide-ranging (and often unanticipated) social consequences. This thematic analysis allows Simon Dixon to demonstrate that the more the tsars tried to modernise their state, the more backward their empire became. A chronology and critical bibliography are also provided to allow students to discover more about this colourful period of Russian history.
- Places Russia's 'long' eighteenth century squarely in its European context
- Through thematic chapters examines political, social, cultural and intellectual life in this period, not limited purely to the politics of the time
- While approach is thematic there is a useful chronological introduction explaining important events, changes etc, also some maps, a chronology and critical bibliography
Reviews & endorsements
"...this learned gem of a book should find many readers at all levels of sophistication." The Russian Review
"At last, we have a book that will induce students to love Russian history." John P. LeDonne, The Historian
"At last, we have a book that will induce students to love Russian history." John P. LeDonne, The Historian
Product details
August 1999Paperback
9780521379618
288 pages
228 × 154 × 23 mm
0.465kg
2 maps
Available
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Table of Contents
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Chronology
- 1. Modernisation and Russian history
- 2. Imperial great power
- 3. Finance and taxation
- 4. Society
- 5. Government and politics
- 6. Culture
- 7. Ideology
- 8. Economy
- Conclusion
- Further reading.
