The expansionist reigns of Catherine the Great and the "Iron Tsar" Nicholas I, alongside the rise of the Russian intelligentsia.
The deep-seated social unrest of the 19th century that eventually led to the 1917 revolutions.
The narrative arc begins with the transformative "revolution" of , who forced Russia toward Westernization and global power, and concludes with the collapse of the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev . Key eras covered include: A History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Go...
is a comprehensive 36-lecture series by Professor Mark Steinberg, produced by The Great Courses . Spanning over 300 years of Russian history, the course shifts away from traditional data-heavy narratives—like treaties and economic statistics—to focus on the lived experiences, ideas, and moral struggles of the Russian people. Core Themes and Approach
Steinberg explores the "passionate and often tormented" story of Russia through three central lenses: The expansionist reigns of Catherine the Great and
The recurring struggle of ordinary Russians to find fulfillment and meaning within a frequently oppressive state.
The tension between the state's official ethics and the critiques voiced by its own citizens and intellectuals. Historical Scope Key eras covered include: is a comprehensive 36-lecture
Steinberg emphasizes the —the constant effort to visualize a better life—clashing with a "darker side of doubt and pessimism". The course is often noted by reviewers on Amazon for its human-centric approach, bringing historical figures to life to explain why Russia’s path so often diverged from Western expectations of progress and human rights. A History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Gorbachev