Peter the Great

Peter the Great was the Tsar of Russia from 1682 until 1725 and is renowned for transforming Russia into a major European power. He implemented sweeping reforms to modernize the military, government, and culture, drawing inspiration from Western Europe. He founded the city of St. Petersburg, which became the capital and a symbol of his efforts to open Russia to the West. Peter also established a more centralized state and encouraged industry and education. His reign is marked by significant territorial expansion and efforts to modernize Russian society, earning him a reputation as one of the most influential leaders in Russian history.