why did catherine and peter promote education?

Question

promotion of education made both rulers look less autocratic, and the enlightenment was anti-autocracy
education made people better equipped to learn about the enlightenment
education was promoted so they could maintain the power of the church
promotion of education allowed people to better understand their rulers

Answer 1

Catherine the Great and Peter the Great promoted education for various reasons:

1) To appear less autocratic: Both rulers sought to modernize Russia and improve its reputation in Europe. Promoting education was a way to demonstrate the enlightened values they adopted from Western Europe, such as reason, progress, and knowledge. By promoting education, they showcased themselves as enlightened rulers, distancing themselves from the traditional autocracy associated with Russia.

2) Alignment with the Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and the importance of education. Catherine and Peter were influenced by Enlightenment ideas and believed that promoting education would lead to a more enlightened and progressive society.

3) Enhancing people's capacity to learn about the Enlightenment: Education improves intellectual and critical thinking abilities, making individuals better equipped to understand and engage with the ideas of the Enlightenment. By promoting education, Catherine and Peter hoped to foster a more educated population that could participate in intellectual discussions and contribute to the progress of society.

4) Preserving the power of the Church: Both rulers saw education as a means to strengthen and control the Russian Orthodox Church. By promoting education, they aimed to ensure that the clergy received proper education, enabling them to maintain the authority and influence of the Church.

5) Better understanding of rulers: Education also allowed people to have a deeper understanding of their rulers and their policies. By promoting education, Catherine and Peter sought to increase the knowledge and awareness of their subjects, fostering loyalty, and minimizing dissent by creating an informed and educated population.

In summary, the promotion of education by Catherine and Peter was primarily driven by their desire to modernize Russia, align with Enlightenment ideas, empower the Church, and maintain a more informed and loyal population.