Developing Modern StatesPaper Rating: Word Count: 661 Approx Pages: 3
Successful modern states developed a monopoly over the lawmaking process, the armed forces, and the bureaucracy to meet the needs of the state. In order to have a successful modern state they first needed a powerful ruler. Fredrick the Great of Prussia used his power and wisdom to improve the lives of his people. He used the method of enlightenment for improvement and he also encouraged the use of new methods of planting to make their agriculture more strong. France's Louis XIV insisted on convening a council daily. He reorganized his kingdom financially and administratively. He encouraged cultural activities such as music, art, and painting. Peter the Great focused on the growth of trade and wanted to gain control of the Baltic Sea. He introduced Russia to the West and insisted on the best of everything to be brought there. These leaders would stop at nothing to ensure that their modern state got what they wanted. Unlike the kings of Poland, the monarchs of France, Russia, and Prussia developed these features of the modern state.
The enormously diverse Kingdom of Poland remained an anachronism in the modern world. Because of this Poland experienced declining economic conditions. Instead of moving ahead with the other countries Poland stayed unadvanced which put them behind agriculturally and economically. Their country remained unchanged while the other countries were moving ahead with new technological advances. Their non-participation in the furthering of their country led to a depression in Poland.
Peter the Great's Russian empire rested on the marriage of autocracy and the nobility. Peter inherited almost absolute power. He created a Senate and he was the first emperor to give his unlimited power a moral and political definition. However, Peter did nothing to change the organization of society. Peter made education compulsory for the nobility; he divided the civil ser