While the 1600s in Europe were characterized by economic growth, expansion into the New World, and rapid development of technology, much of Eastern Europe struggled to maintain equal standing with others villages. After various principalities freed themselves from the Mongols in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Grand Duke of Moscow created the centralized state of Russia. After Ivan the Terrible established himself as Russia's first tsar in 1547, the fledgling state was able to conquer more territory but continued to fall short compared to many Western European countries. One of the main reasons for this was that much of the territory surrounding Russia was controlled by the powerful Swedes, while the Russian coasts off the Pacific were often too cold or icy for ships to sail. However, when the other European country's successes with Westernization pushed the Russian monarchs to adapt, everything began to change. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The rise of absolutism in Russia and subsequent prosperity is commonly associated with the early 18th century and the Westernization that had become prominent in this period. Although several successive rulers are often credited with Russia's adaptation to Westernization and absolutism, fundamental aspects of absolutism had already begun to take root in Russia before their rule. Many of these elements were introduced by Tsar Alexei, who ruled from 1645 to 1672. This began with Russia's victory over the feudal lords of Moscow, who gained them rights to the surplus produce produced by the peasants, both material and agricultural. By collecting the surplus, farmers had a motivation to increase their productivity and anything that was not used went to the government's profit. Furthermore, Alexis was able to continue gaining territory; he often gave this land to trusted nobles in exchange for loyalty and support, not unlike the feudal systems of centuries past. After Alexei's death in 1676, the rule of Russia was handed over to Feodor (Theodore) III, his eldest surviving son. However, when Feodor died in 1882, his power passed to Ivan V, Peter I, and Sofia Alekseyevna, who was Peter's regent as she was only ten years old at the time of her older brother's death. Unfortunately, at the age of twenty-seven Ivan's health continued to deteriorate rapidly and he died two years later. This left the Russian throne in the hands of Peter I, who was now 24 years old. In 1697, just a year after Ivan's death, Peter embarked on his famous 18-month journey west. With his Grand Embassy, ​​a Russian delegation, he traveled in disguise and learned about the cultures and developments that had arisen in Western Europe. He interviewed scientists and other professionals to examine what allowed these other countries to progress so suddenly. In 1698 Peter returned to Russia and, with what he had learned during his trip, began to modernize his state. By the end of his reign, Peter had established a standing army of 300,000 men, in which peasants were expected to serve for 25 years. in the army. To supplement his forces, he also hired Europeans and Russians as officers. Meanwhile, Peter saw to the construction of St. Petersburg as his “window to the West” and called it the country's capital upon its completion. Peter waged war on the territories surrounding St. Petersburg, the most notable of which was Sweden. At the time, Sweden was directing most of its resources into fighting Lithuania and Poland, so it was unprepared for the growing Russian forces. The Russians and