By the eighteenth century, Russia was in some sense a “western” society. For many years, Russia lagged behind the West in terms of technology and trade. During the eighteenth century leaders were influenced by the west and made many changes to expand Russia and modernize. Under Ivan the great and Ivan the terrible, Russia was able to expand and gain new territory. Peter the great introduced western ideas. He improved the Army and helped create Russia’s first Navy. During this time period the iron industry in Russia increased as did the munition production, meaning Russia did not have to depend on the west anymore for weapon productions. He also introduced new church-state control, a reformed tax system, and western dress. He also helped bring
