Peter the Great - biography.

Peter the Great - biography. Tsar and Emperor of Russia Birth May 30, 1672 Death January 28, 1725 Royal Family Romanov Reign 1682-1725 Significant Substituted the Julian calendar for the traditional Russian calendar in 1697 Acts Created a Senate in 1710 to assist in the management of domestic affairs In 1712, moved the Russian capital from Moscow to Saint Petersburg, a city he founded in 1703 to be closer to Europe both in geography and in architectural style Reformed the bureaucracy in 1717, creating a more uniform system based on agencies called colleges, but ultimately failing to achieve a significant reduction in corruption In 1722, created the Table of Ranks, a class system that provided for professional advancement based on merit Milestones 1682 As the son of Aleksis I, succeeded to the throne upon the death of his half-brother, Fyodor III 1682-1689 Almost immediately after Peter was proclaimed tsar, his half-sister Sofia inspired a rebellion and removed him from affairs of government while she ruled as regent 1689 Assumed leadership of Russia but left most political affairs to his mother, Natalia Naryshkin, until her death in 1694 Early 1690s Spent much of his time in the walled foreign quarter of Moscow, absorbing foreign languages and details of life outside Russia 1695 Declared war against the Ottoman Empire, and became determined to modernize Russian forces after early defeats illustrated Russia's military inadequacy 1697 Embarked on a tour of European countries with a delegation known as the Grand Embassy, gathering knowledge and returning to Russia with more than 750 foreign experts from various fields 1698 Ordered the execution of more than 1,000 Russian soldiers who had plotted to overthrow him in his absence 1700 Commenced the Great Northern War against Sweden and, after early defeats, modernized the Russian military 1721 Defeated Sweden and gained the Baltic coastline in the Treaty of Nystad, expanding territory to the Baltic Sea and facilitating sea access to Europe 1721 Was granted the titles of Great and Emperor, signifying Russia's emergence as a European power Did You Know As part of his effort to force Russia to adopt Western European culture and style, he imposed a tax on men who refused to shave their beards. Peter is believed to have been six feet, seven inches in height. In 1722, Peter decreed that the ruler of Russia could freely appoint an heir, but failed to name one for himself, having outlived both of his sons. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.