Comparing Peter the Great and Louis XIV of France

The mid to late 17^th century in Europe is defined by the lives of two men whose efforts greatly influenced the balance of power in the next century while creating competitive societies among the large and small European powers. Peter the Great of Russia and Louis XIV of France – the “sun king,” began their respective reigns with vision. Both would leave a legacy of strong leadership that resulted in the formation of powerful nations. Each ruler, alike in many ways, helped define the age.

 

The Early Years in France and Russia

 

Louis inherited a potentially prosperous kingdom with the largest population of any European nation. Yet for most of his twenty million subjects, everyday life in France reflected a day to day existence based on poverty, an inefficient and punishing tax system, and the continuance of a feudal system whereby a small group of powerful nobles controlled all aspects of society. Louis’ early years were marked by the Fronde, an uprising of nobles that forced him to flee Paris as a child.

 

Peter’s Russia was also a backward feudal society with a history of political and social unrest. Like Louis of France, Peter’s early childhood was marred by an unsuccessful attempt to seize power by his ambitious half-sister, Sophia. Both Peter and Louis took personal control of the state after coming of age, Louis’ reign identified as “Absolutism” while in Russia the rigid “Autocracy” was strengthened under Peter.

 

Building a Modern State

 

Although labeled “Antichrist” by the Orthodox Church, Tsar Peter’s determined efforts sought to modernize the feudal state along the lines of western European societies such as England and the Netherlands. His reforms, often called “revolutions,” affected everything from dress to architecture. His greatest act was the creation of the Russian navy. The traditional beard, so much a part of religious tradition, was outlawed and women were freed from their cumbersome clothes in favor of western-style fashion.

 

Much of this “fashion” came out of Louis’ France and the glittering court he presided over at Versailles. Like Peter of Russia, Louis transformed a semi-feudal society into a competitive mercantile nation. This involved an overhaul of the taxation system via the talents of treasury minister Colbert as well as the establishment of a modern, efficient army created by the Marquis de Lavois. Louis’ reforms helped to grow an urban middle class, the bourgeoisie.

 

Control of the Nobility and Symbols of Power

 

Louis’ most visible legacy was the great palace of Versailles, a model for all future rulers that wanted to demonstrate power and control. At the same time, Versailles was used to lure the restless nobility. At Versailles, the aristocracy was kept busy with endless parties and concerts, hunting and gambling, and dozens of diversions. In the midst of it all was the sun king, the epitome of absolute rule.

 

In Russia, Peter’s 1703 construction of St. Petersburg on the Neva River achieved similar purposes. It was his “window to the west.” Originally built as a fortress in the quest to deprive Sweden Baltic dominance, the city came to represent the ideals of Peter’s vision. Peter’s control of the nobility was linked to the “Table of Ranks,” which mandated state service for all nobles.

 

Death of Peter and Louis

 

Both Peter and Louis died leaving an uncertain future. In Russia, Peter’s second wife, Catherine, ruled with the help of advisors. Following her death, Russia experienced a brief second “time of troubles.” In France, a regency oversaw the interests of the infant king who would one day proclaim, “After me, the Deluge.”

 

Peter the Great and Louis XIV were larger-than-life figures at a pivotal time in western European history. Their lives saw many parallels and both men died bequeathing their people a stronger state.

 

Sources:

 

James Cracraft, The Revolution of Peter the Great (Harvard University Press, 2003)

Pierre Goubert, Louis XIV and Twenty Million Frenchmen (Vintage Books, 1972)