The Rise of Prussia and the Rise of Russia
by Rit NosotroComparative Essay
Compare the Rise of Prussia with the Rise of Russia.
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Thesis:
Summary:
The rise of Prussia and the rise of Russia were comparatively similar, yet both had marked differences. Each also affected the spread of God’s word, and the influence of Christianity throughout the world. Here in this brief comparison we will look at the rise of Prussia under Frederick the Great and his father William the Great. We will compare this to the rise of Russia under the Tsar and Emperor Peter the Great. From these two great empires we will see God’s hand at work in spreading his gospel throughout the earth, and bringing his word to the ears of all men.
Russia, under the reign of the young Tsar Peter the First, was westernized and modernized almost in the wink of an eye. Peter the Great visited Europe, and worked hard to learn and bring back every bit of technology and wisdom possessed by the western part of the world. Throughout his reign he brought Russia up from the proverbial dumps, and placed it among the world powers throughout the known world. Not only did he use his intelligence and determination to put Russia in this position, but also his natural ability to command and lead armies into battle.
Frederick the Great, along with his militaristic father, took Prussia from a dwindling spectator along the sidelines of European powers, and placed it on the top. Using his sheer militaristic nature, and the training and discipline of his minute army, Frederick the Great conquered many of the European armies. His actions lead to the development of the feared army of Prussia. This army would have great influences all the way to World War I, where Prussia helped to begin the Great War “to end all wars”.
From first glance, both countries rise to power seem similar. Both men, Frederick and Peter, possessed great military knowledge, and used that knowledge to defeat their opponents. Each brought his country from ruin, and placed it upon the top ranks of world powers. However, there are also many differences. For example, Frederick William and Frederick the Great focused more on physical actions, discipline, and honor, while Peter the great looked more to advancement in technology, education, and knowledge.
Also, from a Biblical perspective the two Empires have similarities and differences. God used Frederick the Great to promote religious freedom throughout all of Prussia. Frederick believed that “everyone must find his own salvation”. This monarch therefore left his country open to literally all religions. Through this he promoted the spread of the gospel, and the development of Christianity throughout Europe. Russia however, under Peter the Great, was entirely devoted toward the Eastern Orthodox Church. Under Peter the Great, Russia continued to merge the state with the Church. (This laid the foundation for the communist revolution which cast off the Church along with Czarist Russia.) Only after building “the gateway into the west”, or St. Petersburg, did Protestant Christianity enter into Russia. For the first time in many years people could turn to the Western religions. Yet the country was not totally free, or at least not as free as the Prussian freedom of religion.
Overall, we see how similar and yet different both the great empires were. Prussia, under Frederick the Great and his fathers influence, became a military nation, led by discipline and honor. Freedom of religion was encouraged throughout his realm. Russia, under Peter the Great, was made into an Empire almost overnight. Her ways were reformed, and Peter’s determination brought Russia to the top. Yet throughout Russia, religious freedom was constrained to the Russian Orthodox Church. In the end, God had the final say in both empires, and used them for the continuation of his kingdom, and the furthering of his glory.
Quick Quiz:
1) Who was with what country?
a) Peter = Russia / Frederick II= Prussia
b) Peter= Prussia / Frederick II = Russia
2) Which focused more on what?
a) Peter= technology and economy / Frederick = more musical advancements
b) Peter = military might / Frederick = Technology and economy
c) Peter= arms reduction / Fredrick = World peace
d) Peter = technology and economy / Frederick = military might
3) Which country promoted Religious freedom under Frederick?
a) Russia
b) Prussia
c) Czechoslovakia
d) USSR
4) Which country would eventually fall under Soviet tyranny when the line of
Tsars failed?
a) Russia
b) USSR
c) Prussia
d) United States
Bibliography:
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia “Frederick II of Prussia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia” World History. 29 November 2004 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_II_of_Prussia
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia “Peter I of Russia – Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia” World History. 29 November 2004
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_the_Great
St. Petersburg Times. The Moscow Kremlin Museums. “Peter The Great”
World History. 29 November 2004
http://www2.sptimes.com/Treasures/TC.2.3.6.html
Rit Nosotro. World History from a Biblical Perspective. “Peter the Great”
World History. 29 November 2004
http://hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b2peterthegreat.htm
Rit Nosotro. World History from a Biblical Perspective. “Frederick II:
Kaiser of Prussia” World History. 29 November 2004
http://hyperhistory.net/apwh/bios/b2frederick2.htm
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