Which statement best explains how peter the great and Catherine the great expanded their power at the expense of russia's serfs?
both forced serfs to build st. petersburg
both forced serfs to fight in the military for 25 years
both created the charter of the nobility
both gave nobles more power over russia's serf
The statement "both gave nobles more power over Russia's serfs" best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great expanded their power at the expense of Russia's serfs.
The statement that best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great expanded their power at the expense of Russia's serfs is "both gave nobles more power over Russia's serfs." Both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great implemented policies that empowered the nobility, which in turn led to increased control over the serfs. The nobles were given more authority and control over the serfs, including the ability to own and exploit their labor. This further marginalized and oppressed the serfs, allowing the rulers to consolidate power and exploit the labor force for the benefit of the nobility and the state.
The statement that best explains how Peter the Great and Catherine the Great expanded their power at the expense of Russia's serfs is: both gave nobles more power over Russia's serfs.
To understand this, let's analyze each of the given options:
1. "Both forced serfs to build St. Petersburg": While it is true that Peter the Great initiated the construction of St. Petersburg and employed serfs in the process, Catherine the Great did not continue this practice. Therefore, this statement does not apply to both rulers.
2. "Both forced serfs to fight in the military for 25 years": While both rulers expanded Russia's military power, the practice of forcing serfs to serve for 25 years was specific to Peter the Great's reign, not Catherine the Great's. Therefore, this statement does not apply to both rulers.
3. "Both created the charter of the nobility": This statement is incorrect. Although Peter the Great introduced the Table of Ranks, which outlined social and military ranks for the nobility, Catherine the Great did not create a charter specifically for the nobility.
4. "Both gave nobles more power over Russia's serfs": This statement is the most accurate explanation. Both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great strengthened the power and privileges of the nobility, which often came at the expense of the serfs. The nobles gained more control and authority over the serfs, who were bound to the land and had limited rights and freedoms.
Therefore, the correct answer is that both Peter the Great and Catherine the Great expanded their power at the expense of Russia's serfs by giving nobles more power over them.