Peter the Great's goal of westernization was to modernize Russia who he believed had fallen behind the advancements of Europe. He aimed to change political, economic, and social customs which he felt made Russia out of date with an evolving Europe. Europe had been experiencing a growth of scientific and intellectual knowledge through the Enlightenment. Political changes as well as moves toward colonization and industrialization had begun.
Peter required western dress and removal of beards for those attending his court. He moved the capital to the western edge of Russia in newly acquired land which was built to mimic the most modern of European cities. He moved Russia to the Julian calendar, ended arranged marriages, created tax reform, and advanced the military to a modern one.