Final answer:
Peter the Great was influenced by and open to European ideas, including those from Britain, as part of his modernization efforts for Russia. In contrast, Emperor Qianlong saw Britain as inferior, offering nothing valuable to China, and expected British envoys to demonstrate submission.
Step-by-step explanation:
Czar Peter the Great of Russia and Qing Emperor Qianlong had different views of Britain and their interactions with the British reflected their respective attitudes. Peter the Great, ruling from 1672 to 1725, saw Europe, including Britain, as a source of inspiration for modernizing the Russian Empire.
He even traveled to Europe in disguise to study shipbuilding and administrative techniques, which he later used to modernize Russia. Contrastingly, Emperor Qianlong, ruling in the 18th century, viewed Britain and the West with considerable disdain, believing China had no need for British goods or influence.
The difference in attitudes is exemplified by Qianlong's reception of Lord George Macartney, whom he expected to perform the traditional kowtow as a sign of submission, seeing Britain as a potential vassal state rather than an equal. This was emblematic of the broader Qing view that regarded China as superior and self-sufficient, needing nothing from the West.