WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Peter the Great modernized Russia-which, at the start of his rule, had greatly lagged behind the Western countries-and transformed it into a major power. Through his numerous reforms, Russia made incredible progress in the development of its economy and trade, education, science and culture, and foreign policy.

Detailed explanation-2: -Peter was not solely content with having a more European economy. He also implemented hardline social and cultural reforms to westernize the Russian elite. For example, the Russian nobility was forced to cut their traditional long beards and wear European-style dress.

Detailed explanation-3: -His major achievements include the founding of St. Petersburg in 1703, the victory against Sweden at the Battle of Poltava in 1709, and the birth of the Russian navy, Peter’s lifelong passion.

Detailed explanation-4: -Peter the Great was the first Russian Tsar to visit European countries. His first long trip to Europe took place in 1697–1698, within the frame of his so-called “Grand Embassy, ‘’ while the second one occurred twenty years later, in 1716–1717.

Detailed explanation-5: -Petersburg, founded in 1703 among marsh and woodland, a living symbol of the new era and of its initiator, replaced Moscow as the capital of Russia in 1712.