It was previously considered a sin to shave it off, because the beard was thought to be an image of god. To show that he was determined to replace the old system with a superior; westernized one, Peter ordered all beards to be shaved off; those who refused were required to pay a tax to keep it. Russian dress was also replaced. Men traded their long coats in for shorter jackets, and women wore western skits, long dresses as well as gowns. Citizens were not even allowed to ride Russian saddles, because Peter wanted his country to be seen as an advanced, European nation. While Russia's new appearance appealed to Europeans, it was their new social and government stability that enabled them to be accepted as a sociable European country. Peter was heavily concerned with reforming education similarly to westernized nations. In addition to encouraging the study of science, Peter the Great required noble children between the ages of ten and fifteen to have knowledge of mathematics, including geometry. By having an erudite and informed society, Russia would flourish. Educated merchants would be able to make smart trade deals with other nations, and a strong, successful government would be established. .
Russia also went through considerable social changes. Russian women were previously treated as slaves in their own homes, although under Peter's rule, they were treated as members of society. Like neighboring European nations, women were allowed to attend church and other public gatherings. This was a large change in everyday society, showing Russia's advancement by westernization. .
Russia's advancement as a westernized nation seemed to be in danger of regressing, until Catherine The Great, another autocratic tsar, took control of the throne. Born Prussian, she married Peter III and converted to the Orthodox faith. While Catherine's marriage was not successful, her husband was retarded, leaving him incompetent to rule, and thus enabling her to seize control.
