Final answer:
Peter the Great did not seek to isolate Russia but aimed to Westernize it by adopting European military and administrative practices, expanding trade, and implementing cultural reforms. His modernization efforts marked the start of a transformation that would continue into the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peter the Great's attempts to modernize Russia encompassed a wide array of reforms but did not include isolating Russia from the rest of Europe. In fact, one of Peter’s main goals was to Westernize the Russian military and administration, along with expanding trade and economic reforms.
These changes were largely influenced by his time spent in Europe learning about European shipbuilding and administrative techniques. Furthermore, Peter implemented educational and cultural reforms that mirrored European models, such as reducing censorship and starting to foster a more industrial economy, despite the nation's largely agrarian status.
Rather than isolation, Peter the Great pursued a policy of engagement with the West to bring about progress and transformation within the Russian Empire. By the end of the 19th century, although Russia was largely agricultural, reforms were underway that would set the stage for greater industrialization and improvements in trade, such as the expansion of railroad networks, and social changes that would later impact Russian politics significantly.