Peter the Great
Tsar/Tsarina (1672–1725) Peter the Great was a Russian czar in Russia
Does Catherine the Great kill Peter?
Synopsis
Born in Moscow, Russia on June 9, 1672, Peter
the Great was a Russian czar in the late 17th
century who is best known for his extensive
reforms in an attempt to establish Russia as a
great nation. He created a strong navy,
reorganized his army according to Western
standards, secularized schools, administered
greater control over the reactionary Orthodox
Church, and introduced new administrative and
territorial divisions of the country.
Early Rule
Peter the Great was born Pyotr Alekseyevich on June 9, 1672 in Moscow,
Russia. Peter the Great was the 14th child of Czar Alexis by his second wife,
Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina. Having ruled jointly with his brother Ivan V
from 1682, when Ivan died in 1696, Peter was officially declared Sovereign
of all Russia. Peter inherited a nation that was severely underdeveloped
compared to the culturally prosperous European countries. While the
Renaissance and the Reformation swept through Europe, Russia rejected
westernization and remained isolated from modernization.
During his reign, Peter undertook extensive reforms in an attempt to
reestablish Russia as a great nation. Peter overcame opposition from the
country's medieval aristocracy and initiated a series of changes that
affected all areas of Russian life. He created a strong navy, reorganized his
army according to Western standards, secularized schools, administered
greater control over the reactionary Orthodox Church, and introduced new
administrative and territorial divisions of the country.
Territorial Gains
Peter acquired territory in Estonia, Latvia and Finland; and through several
wars with Turkey in the south, he secured access to the Black Sea. In 1709,
he defeated the Swedish army by purposely directing their troops to the
city of Poltva, in the midst of an unbearable Russian winter. In 1712, Peter
established the city of St. Petersburg on the Neva River and moved the capital there from its former location in Moscow. Shortly after, St.
Petersburg was deemed Russia's "window to Europe."
Shortcomings and Death
Under Peter's rule, Russia became a great European nation. In 1721, he
proclaimed Russia an empire and was accorded the title of Emperor of All
Russia, Great Father of the Fatherland, and "the Great." Although he proved
to be an effective leader, Peter was also known to be cruel and tyrannical.
The high taxes that often accompanied his various reforms led to revolts
among citizens, which were immediately suppressed by the imposing ruler.
Peter, a daunting 6 1/2 feet tall, was a handsome man who drank excessively
and harbored violent tendencies.
Peter married twice and had 11 children, many of whom died in infancy. The
eldest son from his first marriage, Alexis, was convicted of high treason by
his father and secretly executed in 1718. Peter the Great died on February
8, 1725, without nominating an heir. He is entombed in the Cathedral of
Saints Peter and Paul, located in St. Petersburg.
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