Episode 28 – Writing on Human Skin – Enlightened Despotism, part I, Russia
…ia into the 18th century and Europe. Among the topics tackled are: How the benefits of modern science, learning and the fresh air of religious tolerance attracted Peter the Great; How Peter believed in “moving fast and breaking tradition” and combined enlightenment reforms with ruthless suppression; How Peter kicked off his modernizing reform with a fashion statement: ordering men to shave their beards and women to dress like Parisians; How Peter’…