In 1698, Tsar Peter I, better known to history as Peter the Great, had just returned from a two-year tour of Europe, where he observed modern society and visited factories, arsenals, schools, and museums. Traveling incognito as Sgt. Pyotr Mikhaylov, the quirky tsar also worked at a shipyard to learn how modern ships were built. When he returned to Russia, he began westernizing the country, changing its economy, government, culture, and religious affairs. He even enacted a beard tax, so that his people would be encouraged to shave and adopt Western European fashions.
Growing the Russian economy:
The tsar empowered police to forcibly and publicly shave those who refused to pay the tax, but resistance was widespread, mainly on religious grounds.
The amount of the tax depended on a man’s status. Members of the Imperial Court, military, and government were charged 60 rubles annually if they wore a beard. Wealthy merchants had to pay 100 rubles a year.
When you paid the tax, you had to carry a “beard token” at all times. The tokens were either copper or silver, and featured a Russian eagle on one side and a man’s bearded face on the other.
Discussion Comments
I thought I heard a story about how the Greeks had their soldiers shave so the enemy could not grab their beards in battle.
I love today's beards in younger guys.it adds a look of maturity/sophistication!
I wish Prince Harry would resume shaving.
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