Peter the Great (Tsar of Russia)

Peter the Great was a Russian tsar (leader) from 1682 to 1725 who transformed Russia into a major European power. He is known for modernizing the military, reforming government structures, and encouraging Western technologies and culture. He established St. Petersburg as Russia’s new capital, symbolizing the country’s shift toward modernization and openness to the West. Peter’s Western-oriented reforms affected many aspects of Russian society, including dress, customs, and education. His leadership helped Russia gain greater influence internationally, setting the stage for its emergence as a major world power in the centuries that followed.