The primary isolation policy of Tsar Peter the Great (reigned 1682-1725) was the Great Embassy of 1697-1698. This was a diplomatic mission, led by Peter himself, to Western Europe, with the goal of modernizing Russia and fostering international trade. During this mission, Peter negotiated a number of treaties, but he was most interested in acquiring European technology and expertise, which he believed was necessary to strengthen Russia.
Results of the Great Embassy
As a result of the Great Embassy, Peter made a number of reforms to Russian society and culture, including the introduction of Western clothing, customs, and laws. He also established a number of new institutions, such as the Russian Academy of Sciences, which was founded in 1724. These reforms had a profound impact on Russian society, and helped to make Russia a more powerful and influential player on the world stage.
Peter the Great's Death and the Succession Crisis
Peter the Great died in 1725, and his death was followed by a succession crisis, which resulted in a number of foreign intervention attempts. These attempts were unsuccessful, but they further isolated Russia from Europe, as Russia became increasingly concerned about the intentions of its European neighbors.
The Crimean War
The Crimean War (1853-1856) was a major conflict between Russia and an alliance of European powers, including Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire. The war was sparked by Russian expansion into the Balkans, which threatened the Ottoman Empire and the interests of its European allies. Russia was defeated in the Crimean War, and the war had a profound impact on Russian foreign policy, as Russia became increasingly isolated from Europe and focused more on its own internal affairs.