Although well intentioned (in regards to modernization), Peter the Great’s attempts at modernizing Russia were futile, thus making him unfit for the title of “the Great.” His attempts at reform affected primarily the nobility, who were a minority in Russia, and scarcely affected the serfs, and left no lasting impression (concerning modernization) on the serfs. An example of how little Peter’s actions affected the majority of Russians is epitomized in his reforms concerning appearance. The majority of serfs were unaffected by this since they were too poor to buy the clothes needed to hold up dress codes or pay the tax punishment given if you did not follow the dress code. This symbolizes the majority of Peter the Great’s reform actions, with
