Which statement best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used serfs to consolidate power?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Both used the serfs to expand Russia’s military.
Both used the serfs to expand Russia’s military.

Both used the serfs to build cities.
Both used the serfs to build cities.

Both used the serfs to expand their empires.
Both used the serfs to expand their empires.

Both used the serfs to gain favor with the nobles.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great used serfs to consolidate power is:

Both used the serfs to build cities.

Both rulers relied on serf labor for extensive construction projects, including the building of cities like St. Petersburg under Peter the Great and various developments during Catherine the Great's reign. This helped to assert their authority, modernize Russia, and demonstrate the power of the state.