This course deals with the Russian Empire during its 'long eighteenth century' – in other words, from the accession of Peter I (also known as 'the Great') in 1682 to the death of Alexander I in 1825. The following topics are covered: Russia in 1682; the impact of the reign of Peter I on the internal development and international position of Russia; the social and political developments of the period 1725-1762; popular revolt during the eighteenth century; the domestic and foreign policies of Catherine II; the impact of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution on Russia; Russia and the Napoleonic Wars; the failure of constitutional and social reform in the first quarter of the nineteenth century; the Decembrist Revolt of 1825; the policies towards non-Russians within the Russian empire.