Like most historical figures, Peter the Great was a complex person. He introduced a number of positive changes into Russia. Most prominently, he sought to "Westernize" Russia by importing Enlightenment ideas and technology. For example, he organized the government bureaucracy, modernized the Russian armed forces, and afforded women some new rights (such as the ability to attend public theatrical performances).
However, not all of Peter's accomplishments for positive. Peter believed that, in order for Russia to modernize, it must adopt western European culture as well as its ideas. For example, he forced all the Russian nobles to shave their beards. Additionally, he exacted heavy taxes to finance his Westernization projects. Finally, he instituted compulsory civil service, particularly for the nobility. This meant that nobles were forced to work for the government in some capacity, even if they did not want to. While well-intentioned, most people would consider these negative attributes.
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