Czar Peter the Great…Tax Collector

Czar Peter was one of the greatest leaders that Russia has ever had. After much conflict in the royal family, Czar Peter had full control of Russia in 1694. Russia at the time was blinkered and isolated. Czar Peter called for reform and modernization of Russia. He embarked on a 2 year tour of Europe before implementing any reforms. The two year tour was not for leisure, but rather to learn the ways of the West. He recruited Western engineers, miners, shipbuilders, architects, and other skilled workers and brought their expertise to Russia. He himself learned dentistry, seamanship, and shipbuilding and used this knowledge to build an impressive and modern Navy.

Czar Peter built the city of St Petersburg, but at a heavy price. The city is also known as “the city built on bones.” He changed the educational system, opened up trade routes and imported Western goods. He even changed fashion. He told his nobleman to wear clothes rather than the traditional Oriental costumes. He demanded they have no beards. In fact, in 1698 he assembled the chief officials and personally clipped off their beards and moustaches. On top of the demand, he demanded a “beard tax” from all men with the exception of peasants. He started a committee to specifically think of ways to tax people. He taxed virtually everything such as: beehives, boots, candles, chimneys, hats, horses and last, but not least, drinking water! He may have reformed Russia, but at a heavy price.

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