t much reform, but actually accomplished little. One of Russias most celebrated rulers was "http://members.tripod.com/~Nevermore/CGREAT.HTM". She, however, only strengthened the power of the nobles and crushed Pugachevs Rebellion, a peasant uprising in the country. These rulers all share some of the same qualities of absolute monarchs. Although some of them may have not been truly absolutes, they all ruled their respective countries with absolute qualities.Phillip II ruled from 1556 to 1598He built himself a lavish granite palace called He threw grand parties at his palace, not unlike those of other upper class people of the time. He did have time, however, to make every decision brought to him and sign all the papers he received. Aragon leaders revolted against Philip in the 1590s. They were mad that he had made the center of Spain, with Castilian the offical language of the court, and Madrid the capital. Philip supported the Inquisition's efforts to root out heresy. In 1569, the (Jews who were converted to Christianity) started a two year revolt. However, at the end of those two years, Philip brutally crushed the revolt.Peter I better known as, Peter the Great, took the throne in 1689. His main goal was to bring Russian into the mainstream of European civilization. Peter went to Moscow to learn the basic skills of navigation and shipbuilding. He became czar, visiting shipyards, factories, mills, and laboratories. When he returned home, he wanted the Russian nobility to adopt the ways of Western Europe. To open Russia to Europe, he built a new capital, which became Russia's "window to the west." He expanded the boundaries of Russia in the south, east, and northwest. In 1721 Russia defeated Sweden and won control of the eastern part of the Baltic region. He created a new class of nobles. They could own hereditary land if they did government services. He changed tax laws to increase government income. Nobles, therefore, paid no taxes. Pe...
