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Peter the Great Facts & Worksheets

Peter the Great was an influential ruler in Russian history, he played a key role in shaping Russia as a major player in European politics.

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Peter the Great, an influential ruler in Russian history, played a key role in shaping Russia as a major player in European politics. His reign brought significant military, administration, and cultural reforms, transforming Russia from a medieval state to a modern empire.

See the fact file below for more information about Peter the Great, or you can download our 35-page Peter the Great worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE

  • In 1672, Peter the Great, or Pyotr Alekseyevich, was born in Moscow, Russia, a city that was then the country’s political and cultural center. 
  • His parents were Tsar Alexis I and Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina, his father’s second wife.
  • His father, Tsar Alexis I, the second Romanov monarch, was an intelligent leader known for his reforms in Russia’s legal system. 
  • His mother, Natalya Kirillovna Naryshkina, was known for her beauty and wit.
  • Young Peter grew up in the village of Preobrazhenskoe, near Moscow, and also spent time at the Izmaylovo Estate. 
  • His education was practical and unconventional, focusing on skills and knowledge that eventually helped him in his reign.
  • During his early years, Peter received education from notable tutors, such as Nikita Zotov, Franz Timmermann, Paul Menesius, and Patrick Gordon,
  • He prioritized hands-on experiences and practical skills over memorization and theory.
  • Peter had a curious mind and diverse interests. 
  • He loved shipbuilding and sailing, constructing miniature ships, and learning about navigation. 
  • His passion for military games developed his understanding of strategy. 
  • He also explored European customs through travel and interactions.
  • Growing up, he experienced a disorderly era in Russian history. 
  • He observed political conflicts and power struggles within the royal family, influencing his future reign.
  • Peter the Great was married twice.
  • His first marriage was to Eudoxia Lopukhina in 1689, a union his mother and the Naryshkin family arranged. 
  • They had three children together: Alexei, Alexander, and Paul.
  • However, this marriage was unhappy, and because of the conflicts, Peter the Great divorced Eudoxia in 1698. 
  • He also forced her to join a convent.
  • In 1707, Peter the Great married his second wife, Martha Skavronskaya, who later took the name Catherine I. 
  • Catherine was a Latvian peasant captured during the Great Northern War.
  • They had twelve children together, though only two survived to adulthood: Anna and Elizabeth. 
  • Anna died young, while Elizabeth ruled Russia from 1741 to 1762.
  • Peter had a close circle of friends who influenced his personal life and political career. 
  • One of his friends was Alexander Menshikov, who rose to power in Russia due to his close relationship with Peter. 
  • Their friendship began in childhood and remained strong throughout their lives, with Menshikov becoming one of Peter’s trusted advisors.
  • During his reign, Peter the Great had a complex relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church. 
  • One notable action was the creation of the All-Joking, All-Drunken Synod of Fools and Jesters, a satirical version of the church’s governing body. 
  • This mock institution served as social commentary, critiquing the church’s power. 
  • Members of the Synod, chosen from Peter’s inner circle, participated in feasts and parodies of religious ceremonies, often involving excessive drinking. 
  • Despite controversy, the Synod represented Peter’s beliefs on religion and church hierarchy, reflecting his desire for church reform and control over the Orthodox Church.

SUCCESSION

  • In 1676, Peter was only four years old when his father, Tsar Alexis I, passed away. 
  • The throne then went to Feodor III, Peter’s older half-brother from their father’s first marriage. 
  • Despite being in poor health, Feodor III proved to be a capable ruler and implemented reforms to modernize Russia. 
  • Unfortunately, his reign was short due to his declining health. 
  • During his rule, Feodor III received significant assistance from his sister, Sophia Alekseyevna. 
  • Sophia, an educated and ambitious woman, played a crucial role in managing state affairs.
  • After Feodor III’s untimely death in 1682, the throne was passed to ten-year-old Peter, with his half-brother Ivan V taking a secondary position.
  • Despite being Peter’s elder half-brother, Ivan V couldn’t take complete control of the throne due to his physical and mental limitations.
  • He was seen unfit to govern the vast and rapidly evolving Russian empire. 
  • Thus, despite being younger, Peter became the primary ruler, starting his reign as Peter the Great.
  • Seizing the opportunity, Sophia Alekseyevna, their ambitious sister, provoked the Streltsy, the Russian military corps, to rebel and staged a coup. 
  • This resulted in Ivan and Peter being proclaimed joint Tsars, with Sophia serving as regent during their minority. 
  • Sophia’s regency, lasting seven years, showcased her remarkable political skills. 
  • Her rule was marked by various political and military campaigns, including the controversial and unsuccessful Crimean campaign. 
  • Although it was unconventional for a woman to rule Russia at that time, Sophia’s reign challenged traditional norms and set the stage for the modernization of the Russian state.
  • In 1689, when Peter turned seventeen, he took control of Sophia and ended her regency. 
  • Sophia tried to incite another rebellion among the Streltsy, but Peter’s loyalty and swift action put down the revolt. 
  • This marked the end of Sophia’s influence in the Russian court. She was then forced to live in a convent in seclusion. 
  • This event allowed Peter to start implementing his reforms for Russia.

REIGN

  • Peter the Great’s rule from 1682 to 1725 is known for modernizing and expanding Russia, transforming it from a traditional, semi-isolated state into a major European power.

Administrative Reforms

  • Peter the Great introduced numerous administrative reforms during his rule. 
  • He centralized power by establishing a bureaucratic government structure. 
  • He divided Russia into eight provinces, each governed by a governor and a vice-governor. 
  • This allowed for direct rule and efficient administration of the areas. 
  • He also formed the Senate, a legislative body responsible for handling state affairs. 

Military Reforms

  • Peter the Great constructed a modern army along European lines, replacing the traditional Streltsy regiments with new regiments trained in European drill and tactics. 
  • He also introduced conscription, ensuring a steady supply of soldiers. 
  • Peter’s interest in naval matters led to the establishment of the Russian navy, with the construction of a new fleet of warships.

Cultural and Educational Reforms

  • He ordered Russian nobles to adopt European customs and attire and even introduced a “beard tax” to encourage them to shave their traditional beards. 
  • Peter also founded the first Russian newspaper, Sankt-Peterburgskie Vedomosti, and opened numerous schools and hospitals, promoting literacy and healthcare.

Westernization through Marriages

  • Peter the Great recognized the potential of diplomatic marriages for Westernization. 
  • He arranged marriages between Russian nobility and European royal families to strengthen ties with the West and integrate Russia into European affairs.
  • These marriages served a dual purpose: establishing political alliances and spreading Western ideas and culture in the Russian royal court. 
  • By marrying into Western royal families, Russian nobles were exposed to Western customs and brought them back to Russia, transforming Russian society and aligning it with Europe.
  • In one case, he arranged for his niece, Anna Ivanovna, to marry Frederick William, the Duke of Courland. 
  • This union was believed to strengthen ties between Russia and Europe, promoting the spread of Western influence.
  • It was a calculated move to integrate Russia into European politics. 
  • Additionally, Peter used the marriage to secure allies for his project of building Saint Petersburg.

Industrialization

  • Peter the Great modernized Russia by starting with its industrialization. 
  • He recognized the importance of a robust industrial base and implemented several reforms to stimulate industry and promote domestic manufacturing.
  • He encouraged the development of mining and metalworking industries, bringing European experts to introduce modern techniques. 
  • This increased iron, copper, and silver production, bolstering Russia’s military capabilities and supporting construction projects like Saint Petersburg. 
  • Peter established technical schools, implemented tariffs, and provided incentives to support manufacturing. 
  • His industrialization efforts transformed Russia into an economic power, solidifying his legacy as a reformer and visionary leader.

Foreign Policy and Expansion

  • Peter the Great’s foreign policy was characterized by expansionism. 
  • He waged war against the Ottoman Empire and Sweden, significantly expanding Russia’s territories and influence. 
  • The Great Northern War against Sweden (1700-1721) resulted in the acquisition of Estonia, Livonia, and part of Finland, granting Russia access to the Baltic Sea.
  • This led to the building of Saint Petersburg, a new capital city that symbolized Russia’s transformation under Peter’s rule.

Maritime Power

  • Peter the Great had a strategic vision for the sea. 
  • He recognized its importance in military, economic, and geopolitical terms. 
  • He aimed to establish Russia as a maritime power, gaining access to key trade routes and asserting itself globally.
  • To achieve this, Peter focused on building a strong navy. 
  • He dedicated significant resources to expanding the Russian fleet and commissioning new ports and shipyards. 
  • Peter also saw the sea as an important trade artery. 
  • Access to the sea would provide commercial opportunities, opening new markets and driving economic growth.
  • Peter’s geopolitical aim was to secure Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea.
  • He focused not only on the Baltic Sea but also the White Sea and the Black Sea due to their strategic importance. 
  • The White Sea facilitated trade with Western Europe despite being frozen at times. 
  • It served as a crucial route for exporting fur and other goods. 
  • The Black Sea provided access to the Mediterranean and Southern European markets.
  • However, controlling it led to conflicts with the Ottoman Empire. 

GRAND EMBASSY

  • The Grand Embassy was a significant diplomatic mission Peter the Great undertook in 1697-1698. 
  • Its purpose was to gain allies for Russia’s war against the Ottoman Empire and acquire modern technical knowledge to aid Russia’s development. 
  • Peter was particularly interested in shipbuilding and military technology, essential for his vision of transforming Russia into a maritime power. 
  • He traveled incognito as Peter Mikhailov, allowing him to freely interact with shipbuilders, doctors, and craftsmen, immersing himself in Western learning and culture. 
  • He gained shipbuilding techniques from Holland and England, military strategy from Austria and Prussia, and a broader understanding of Western culture. 
  • Upon his return, Peter utilized this knowledge to modernize Russia’s military, navy, and industries.

THE GREAT NORTHERN WAR

  • The Great Northern War (1700-1721) was a pivotal conflict in northern Europe that marked a shift in the balance of power in the region. 
  • Primarily fought between Russia, led by Peter the Great, and Sweden, under King Charles XII, the war also involved a coalition of other nations, including Denmark–Norway, Poland–Lithuania, and Prussia.
  • The Great Northern War started when Sweden, the leading power in the north, faced opposition from an alliance called the Northern Union, consisting of Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Poland-Lithuania. 
  • The alliance aimed to limit Swedish dominance. 
  • Russia, led by Peter the Great, wanted access to the Baltic Sea for trade and maritime power.
  • In 1700, the war began with coordinated attacks on Sweden by the Northern Union. 
  • However, the Swedish King Charles XII successfully defended against the initial attacks and even launched a counter-offensive against Russia. 
  • His victory at the Battle of Narva in 1700 was significant.
  • Despite this setback, Peter the Great rebuilt his army and achieved a decisive victory over Charles XII during the Battle of Poltava in 1709. 
  • This battle marked a turning point and signaled the decline of Swedish power and the rise of Russia in northern Europe.
  • The war officially ended in 1721 with the Treaty of Nystad, which gave Russia significant territorial gains, including access to the Baltic Sea. 
  • This marked the end of Sweden’s dominance in the Baltic and the emergence of Russia as a major European power. 
  • Peter the Great’s leadership transformed Russia into a formidable maritime power, altering its global position.

RECOGNITION

  • In 1721, after the success in the Great Northern War, he became the “Emperor”, signifying Russia’s rise to an empire from a tsardom. 
  • He was later honored as “The Great”, a rare distinction given to influential rulers, and remained one of the few leaders globally called the title. 
  • The city of Saint Petersburg, which he founded and made the capital of Russia, stands as a tribute to his vision and leadership.
  • The establishment of Saint Petersburg exemplifies his vision for a modern and cosmopolitan Russia.
  • His reign transformed Russia into a global power through visionary policies, military reforms, promoting education and Western ideals.  

CHALLENGES

  • Peter the Great had his share of struggles during his reign. 
  • It was challenging for him to Westernize Russia as he encountered strong resistance from the Russian nobility and Orthodox church because they were firm in their traditional Russian culture. 
  • Moreover, he encountered opposition from Russian nobility, who were unwilling to give up their traditional rights over serfs.
  • Most serfs were uneducated and bound by traditional beliefs. 
  • Peter faced challenges implementing progressive reforms due to cultural and educational barriers.
  • He also got significant backlash due to his attempts to implement Western clothing and shave off the beards of the nobility. 
  • Another struggle he encountered was the discontentment of the Russians on his implementation of the poll tax, which resulted in multiple revolts.
  • The state had limited fiscal resources, making it challenging to finance measures to improve the economic condition of the serfs.
  • His attempts to build a strong navy and expand Russia’s maritime power were hindered by unsuccessful Azov campaigns against the Ottoman Empire during 1695 and 1696. 
  • Peter’s focus on military expansion rather than domestic reforms limited his ability to improve the lives of the serfs.
  • Moreover, there was no legal framework to protect serfs, hindering Peter the Great’s efforts to make their lives better.

DEATH

  • In the late autumn of 1724, Peter decided to rescue several soldiers drowning in the freezing waters of the Gulf of Finland.
  • While saving lives, this courageous act came at the cost of his own health. 
  • The severe exposure to the cold likely precipitated the urinary problems that led to his death a few months later.
  • Peter the Great passed away on February 8, 1725, as his health had deteriorated in the years leading up to his death, likely worsened by his demanding lifestyle and constant work-related travels. 
  • It was believed that his declining health was caused by urosepsis, a urinary tract infection that spreads to the bloodstream and triggers an inflammatory response.
  • At the time of his death, Peter had no named successor. 
  • His son Alexei had predeceased him, and his second wife, Catherine, was not of royal blood. 
  • The absence of a clear successor created a void of authority, leading to a time of palace intrigues and political instability.
  • After Peter’s death, Catherine was declared Empress by the Supreme Privy Council, becoming the first woman to rule Imperial Russia and setting as a model for future female rulers.
  • Peter the Great’s death marked the end of an era in Russian history. 

Peter the Great Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Peter the Great across 35 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Peter the Great, an influential ruler in Russian history, played a key role in shaping Russia as a major player in European politics.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Peter the Great Facts
  2. T – F
  3. Did You Know?
  4. Left Or Right
  5. What Do You Mean?
  6. The Reforms
  7. Great Contributions
  8. Great Northern War
  9. Word Association
  10. Peter the Great
  11. Saint Petersburg

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Peter the Great?

Peter the Great, whose full name was Peter Alekseyevich Romanov, was a Russian tsar who ruled from 1682 to 1725. He is known for his extensive efforts to modernize Russia and transform it into a major European power.

What were some of Peter the Great’s major accomplishments?

Peter the Great’s major accomplishments include:

  • Expanding and modernizing the Russian military.
  • Founding the city of Saint Petersburg and making it the new Russian capital.
  • Westernizing Russian culture, customs, and dress.
  • Promoting education and establishing the first Russian state-run universities.
  • Expanding Russia’s territory through successful military campaigns.

How did Peter the Great Westernize Russia?

Peter the Great initiated a series of reforms to Westernize Russia, including:

  • Introducing Western-style clothing and encouraging nobles to adopt European fashion.
  • Establishing a Table of Ranks to promote individuals based on merit rather than noble birth.
  • Implementing the Orthodox Church reforms, such as the Holy Synod, to centralize church authority.
  • Creating the first Russian navy and modernizing the army based on European models.
  • Encouraging the study of foreign languages, science, and technology.

What was the significance of the founding of Saint Petersburg?

The founding of Saint Petersburg in 1703 was significant for several reasons:

  • It established a new, strategically located Russian capital on the Baltic Sea, which facilitated trade and strengthened Russia’s position in European politics.
  • It symbolized Peter’s commitment to Westernization, as the city was designed in the European Baroque style.
  • Saint Petersburg became a center of cultural and intellectual exchange, contributing to Russia’s integration into European cultural circles.

How did Peter the Great’s reign impact Russia’s future?

Peter the Great’s reign had a profound and lasting impact on Russia. His modernization efforts laid the foundation for Russia’s transformation into a major European power in the subsequent centuries. His policies also shaped the Russian state and society, leading to a more centralized and bureaucratic government. However, his reforms were often implemented forcefully and led to social upheaval and discontent among certain segments of the population. Peter’s legacy as a visionary reformer is still debated today, but there is no doubt that his reign was a pivotal period in Russian history.

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