During the period of 1650–1815, Eastern Europe, including Russia, commonly experienced autocratic forms of government. In Russia, this was characterized by the absolute monarchy, particularly under the reign of rulers such as Peter the Great (reigned 1682-1725) and Catherine the Great (reigned 1762-1796).
Peter the Great is known for his efforts to modernize Russia and centralize royal power. He reformed the government and military, reduced the influence of the nobility, and sought to strengthen the state. Similarly, Catherine the Great continued these policies and expanded the Russian Empire, promoting westernization and reform while maintaining her autocratic authority.
In addition to autocracy, the period included a feudal structure, where the nobility held significant land and power, although the monarch wielded ultimate authority. Various Eastern European states, including Poland-Lithuania and the Habsburg Empire, also had their own forms of government, often influenced by noble power, but by the end of this period, Russia was emerging as a dominant autocratic empire in the region.
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