Why was the early life of Peter the Great - Tsar and autocrat of all the Russias, who endures to this day as an iconic symbol of Russian might - drenched in blood and violence? What amalgamation of court politics and family feuding saw him catapulted to the role of Tsar against all the odds? What did he do during the course of his colourful life and tumultuous reign to earn the moniker ‘the Great’? And, why is he considered by many, the father of Russia? Join Dominic and Tom as they launch into the early life of one of history’s most bombastic rulers - Peter the Great; the conditions in 17th century Russia, the violent palace coup that nearly destroyed him as a boy, and his road to the Great Northern War that would later make his name, and change the fate of Europe. The Rest Is History Club: Become a member for exclusive bonus content, early access to full series and live show tickets, ad-free listening, our exclusive newsletter, discount book prices on titles mentioned on the pod, and our members’ chatroom on Discord. Just head to therestishistory.com to sign up, or start a free trial today on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/therestishistory. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Let the soldiers know that now is the hour when in their hands rests the fate of the entire motherland. Either Russia will fall or she will be reborn. My soldiers, you are not armed and drawn up to fight for Peter. You fight for the nation entrusted to Peter by birth, for your kin, for the people of all Russia, the land that has protected you, the land that now awaits the decision of fortune.
Remember as you fight that God and truth are on our side, and remember how many times the Lord of Battles has shown us his favor. And know this of me, of Peter. that on my life I set no value, as long as Russia may live in piety, in prosperity, and in glory.
There we have, in ringing masculine tones, the proclamation of Peter the Great, Tsar and autocrat of all the Russias to his troops on the 26th of June 1709, the eve of the famous and seismically influential Battle of Poltava, the showdown that decided the Great Northern War. Dominic, quite possibly your favourite war, I think.
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