Peter I of Russia AKA Peter the Great Sihara, Sara, Marjan, Nasim Brief History of Monarch and Nation They Ruled: Peter the Great was born in ​
Moscow, Russia on June 9, 1672. Peter the Great was the 14th child of Czar Alexis by his second wife, Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina.​
It was the late 17th century when Peter the Great ruled over Russia as the czar of the time. As is the hope and attempt of any leader, he wished to reform Russia and make it into the greatest nation possible. Amongst the many changes he brought forth to the nation, he formed armies, a strong navy and secularized schools. At the time, Russia was a less developed country compared to the rest of European countries. It was stated that while the Renaissance and Reformation took over other European Nations and were a great period for the rest of the continent, Europe resisted and denied Westernization, which in some ways is what kept Russia less developed when compared with the other European countries. As any change maker or one who brings forth reform faces, Peter the Great was faced with opposition toward his reforms, yet he carried on to bring forth changes in an attempt to make Russia a great nation. Map Illustrating Russia: Timeline of Their Reign and Absolutism: Reign as Tsar of Russia: May 7 1682­ November 2 1721 Reign as Emperor of Russia: November 2 1721­ February 8 1725 Absolutism in Russia: Major Events: ­ Peter was declared sovereign of all Russia in 1696 (after his brother’s death). ­ The Russia Peter inherited was far behind the other European nations in terms of Westernization and modernization. ­ Peter built a navy: tried carving a route to the Black Sea= resulted in land gains. ­ Peter travelled in disguise on an European tour to learn more about economics and culture. ­ Eastern shores of the Baltic ceded to Russia. ­ November 1721: Peter becomes emperor of the Russian Empire. ­ Peter introduced Western fashions to Russia, simplified the alphabet, reorganized the army in a Western manner, introduced the Julian calendar, established the first Russian newspaper etc. ­ Industry developed: plants and factories emerged in Russia, trade became popular. ­ The army and navy began using more advanced weaponry and people were chosen to lead based on talent rather than status. ­ Peter promoted secular education (first ruler in Russia to do so). ­ 1703­1712: Peter built St.Petersburg, Russia’s new capital city. Alliances ​
­ Holland ­ England ­ France These were the countries that Peter the Great wanted to associate with. In a way, these countries were like his allies. He wanted to make Russia a modern nation just like the countries of Western Europe. Significance: Peter the Great is remembered for having dragged Russia out of the medieval era to such an extent that by his death in 1725, Russia was considered to a leading eastern European state. He managed to centralise government, modernise the army, and create and increase subjugation of the peasants. He was also remembered for his sheer physical presence, having been nearly seven feet tall and very broad. He was extremely powerful in his speech as well, having been “loud­mouthed, violent, ruthless, and impetuous.” However, he also always wanted to learn and was active in his discoveries of carpentry, mathematics, how to train soldiers ­ and how to torture people. In fact, at one point he used his army made up of his servants as live ammunition. ​
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e was a joint ruler with Ivan V, his sickly brother and travelled to Europe in 1697 in a Grand Embassy seeking help against the Ottomans. While in the West, Peter became convinced of the need for Westernisation which he pursued with great vigor on his return. As a result, he required his courtiers to shave off their beards and adopt modern clothing. He founded Saint Petersburg in 1703 and moved his capital there. Imperial Reach:
Spread to modern day Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. Obituary: Peter the Great left behind a modernized Russian empire, dragging Mother Russia out of a medieval era and into a period of prosperity. This man who stood at an impressive 6’7 was not just a giant on the inside, but he was the one who brought forth giant change outwardly, to a nation who needed an effective leader to lead them to greatness. Not only did this man stand as a giant, but he also had a giant heart. Plus, he’d be an amazing basketball player. Peter the Great passed away peacefully on February 8th, 1725­ at the tender age of 52.