Peter The Great

Summary

Peter the Great, the tsar of Russia from 1682 to 1725, is renowned for modernizing Russia, expanding its borders, and introducing Western customs and technologies. His reign witnessed significant reforms, including the establishment of new industries, the modernization of the military, and the founding of St. Petersburg.

Facts

Peter the Great ruled as the tsar of Russia from 1682 to 1725.

Born in Moscow in 1672, Peter was the son of Tsar Alexis I and his second wife.

At the age of ten, Peter became co-tsar with his half-brother Ivan V, with their sister Sophia acting as regent.

Peter developed an interest in military and maritime affairs at a young age.

He embarked on a grand tour of Europe in 1697, visiting Germany, the Netherlands, and England, among other countries, to learn about Western customs and technologies.

Upon his return to Russia, Peter initiated a series of reforms, including the establishment of new industries like paper mills and textile factories.

Peter also founded the first Russian navy and modernized the army.

He expanded the Russian Empire’s borders through wars against the Ottoman Empire and Sweden, gaining territory along the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.

Peter the Great founded the city of St. Petersburg, which became the new capital of Russia in 1712.

He was married twice and had ten children, but only three survived to adulthood.

Peter the Great passed away in 1725 and was succeeded by his wife Catherine I.