What action did Peter the Great take regarding Russian societal behavior?

Peter the Great implemented significant reforms aimed at modernizing Russia and aligning it more closely with European customs and behaviors. One of his primary motivations was to enhance Russia's status as a strong and modern European power. To achieve this, he introduced a range of changes, including reforms in dress codes, cultural practices, and societal norms that reflected Western European influences.

For example, he mandated that noblemen adopt European-style clothing and grooming, such as shaving their beards, which was a visible marker of the shift towards a more European lifestyle. Additionally, he encouraged the study of science, art, and technology, further promoting a European-centered approach to societal development. This transformation was critical for Peter, as he believed that embracing Western practices would help modernize Russia's military and administrative structures, ultimately advancing the nation's position on the global stage.

In contrast, encouraging traditional customs would have gone against his reformist agenda. Isolating from Western influence would be contrary to his goal of modernization, and promoting military traditions, while significant in its own right, does not encompass the broader cultural overhaul Peter sought through Europeanization.