Final answer:
The prosperity of Russia was believed to depend on its adoption of strong westernization, specifically in terms of modernization. Peter I and Catherine the Great recognized the importance of western ideas and techniques for economic competition. Russia has experienced substantial economic growth under Vladimir Putin, but further modernization is still needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that Russia's prosperity depended on its having strong westernization serves as a pivotal point in Russian history. Peter I (Peter the Great) and Catherine the Great both recognized the need for Russia to adopt Western ideas and modernize in order to compete economically with other global powers.
Peter I, in particular, was inspired by his visits to Europe, where he studied shipbuilding and new administrative techniques. He used this knowledge to modernize Russia and establish the Russian Empire. However, despite efforts to modernize, Russia remained economically underdeveloped in the 1800s due to reforms that were seen as undermining absolute rule.
In more recent times, Russia witnessed substantial economic growth during Vladimir Putin's presidency, attracting foreign investors and establishing itself as a major player in the global economy. However, Russia still needs to modernize its manufacturing base to compete against the European Union, North America, and eastern Asia.