WI: St. Petersburg not the capital of Russia?
- Thread starter abc123
- Start date
would probably mean less interest/concern about whats to the west, the Germans in the Baltics and Swedes in Finland specificly, which might well lead to less immediate interest in conquering said areas to protect the city as while important, a foreign rush at the city wouldn't trap the royal family leaving them to lose any war they're in against their western neighbours quite easily.
The Swedish Empire may last longer.
Perhaps the Polish Commonwealth isn't completely subsumed.
Northeastern Europe would be happier.
Note that Peter the Great also started the move southwards as well. The Ottoman might last a bit longer.
Perhaps the Polish Commonwealth isn't completely subsumed.
Northeastern Europe would be happier.
Note that Peter the Great also started the move southwards as well. The Ottoman might last a bit longer.
Peter was among the first Czars to really try to reach the Black Sea (his fascination with the Navy).
Peter the Great is still here, he just doesn´t make St.Petersburg the capital of Russia, but only an important city port.
You would need a Tsar to somehow feel safe with the Baltic situation. Ivan the Terrible had attempted to gain control over Livonia, but that led to a rather disastrous war for a rather disastrous reign. As for not going south to Crimea that is not in the cards, under Ivan the Terrible the Crimean Tatar sacked Moscow as well.
If you have a Tsar that is perhaps not willing to embark on ambitious plans with the navy then it's possible for Moscow to remain the capital.
If you have a Tsar that is perhaps not willing to embark on ambitious plans with the navy then it's possible for Moscow to remain the capital.
I agree, he and Russia will still want to reach the Black Sea and have warm water ports.
jahenders
Banned
He felt it was important as a way to change the Russian mindset/mental orientation to be more Western. He may have been right -- without moving the government there, Russia might have remained much slower to modernize.
So, what if, Peter the Great, just founded St. Petersburg as important port for Russia, but the capital city remains Moscow? What are the consequences?