Final answer:
Russia's westward expansion transformed it into a vast empire with a diverse population but retained its monarchical government and social stratification. Developments like railroads improved trade and agriculture, though Russia remained less industrialized than Western Europe. Post-expansion, the USSR's creation and collapse led to major geopolitical reorganizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Russia's westward expansion during the 18th and 19th centuries brought significant changes to the country while maintaining certain continuities. The expansion led to Russia's emergence as a great world power with an immense empire that stretched from Eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean. It also included territories like Poland and Finland, and brought Russia into Central Asia, incorporating regions like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This expansion changed Russia's demographic composition, with a diverse array of languages, religions, and ethnicities coming under its rule, and enhanced its geopolitical influence.
However, despite these changes, several continuities remained. The Russian government continued to be a monarchy, with significant control over the lands and peoples of its empire. Social stratification persisted, with an aristocracy that maintained much power and influence even as the serfs were emancipated in 1861. This dichotomy contributed to social and political tensions that would later contribute to the conditions leading to the Russian Revolution.
Advancements such as the construction of railroads helped to integrate the vast territories and improve trade and agricultural production, which in turn helped to improve the livelihood of the peasantry. Despite these developments, Russia lagged behind much of Europe in terms of industrialization and faced various internal uprisings and external warfare, including conflicts with Napoleon and other European powers.
The Russian Empire's approach to governance often involved the use of strict control and policies of Russification in its newly acquired territories. However, the creation of the Soviet Socialist Republics in the 20th century and the eventual collapse of the USSR resulted in significant geopolitical shifts and the independence of several nations that were once part of the Russian Empire.