(Romanov) Peter the Great Alekseevich
Peter I Alekseevich was the last tsar of all Russia (since 1682) and the first Emperor of All Russia (since 1721), a representative of the Romanov dynasty.
Early years and coming to power
Born on May 30 (June 9), 1672, the 14th child of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.
After the death of Tsar Fyodor Alekseevich in 1682, a dynastic crisis began. As a result of the Streltsy rebellion, Peter and his brother Ivan were proclaimed tsars, and Tsarevna Sofia became regent.
Peter retired to the village of Preobrazhenskoe, where he created "funny regiments" — the future Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments of the Imperial Guard.
In 1689, Peter removed Sophia from power and began his independent rule.
Key events and hikes
The Azov campaigns (1695-1696): the first campaign was unsuccessful, in the second Azov was taken, and the construction of the Russian navy began.
The Great Embassy (1697-1698): Peter's journey through Europe to find allies and explore European technology and culture.
The Streletsky Revolt (1698) and its suppression.
The Northern War (1700-1721) against Sweden:
defeat at Narva (1700);
victory at Poltava (1709) — the turning point of the war;
The Peace of Nishtadt (1721): Russia gained access to the Baltic Sea.
The Prussian campaign (1711) against the Ottoman Empire ended in failure.
The Persian (Caspian) Campaign (1722-1723): the western and southern shores of the Caspian Sea were ceded to Russia.
Reforms
1. Military:
creation of a regular army and navy;
introduction of recruitment kits;
opening of military schools.
2. Public administration:
Establishment of the Governing Senate (1711);
replacement of orders by collegiums (1717-1721);
Provincial reform (1708): division of the country into provinces;
introduction of the Table of Ranks (1722) — the system of ranks of military and civil service.
3. The Church:
the abolition of the Patriarchate (1700);
creation of the Holy Synod (1721), subordinate to the state.
4. Economic:
development of manufactures and industry (especially mining and metallurgy);
Protectionist policy: Customs Tariff (1724);
the introduction of new taxes (including the tax on baths, on oak coffins, etc.).
5. Cultural and social:
the foundation of St. Petersburg‑St. Petersburg (1703) and the transfer of the capital there (1712);
The development of secular education: the opening of schools, the Academy of Sciences (1724);
introduction of the new chronology ("from the Birth of Christ") and the Julian calendar;
Europeanization of everyday life: ban on beards for nobles, introduction of European clothes;
organization of assemblies;
changes in the status of women.
Personal life
His first marriage was to Evdokia Lopukhina (1689), and his son was Tsarevich Alexei.
The conflict with Alexei, his flight to Europe, his return, trial and death in 1718.
His second marriage was to Ekaterina Alekseevna (the future Catherine I), the daughter of Anna and Elizabeth (the future Empress).
Board results and legacy
Russia became an empire (1721).
Access to the Baltic Sea was gained, and positions in the Caspian Sea were strengthened.
A regular army and navy have been created.
A new system of government has been formed.
The development of science, education and culture according to the European model has been accelerated.
Strengthening of the absolute monarchy.
Significant tax burden on the population, increased social tension.
Peter the Great died in 1725. His reforms radically changed the course of Russian history and determined the development of the country for the entire XVIII century.