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 the Great became tsar in 1682 upon the death of his elder brother Feodor, but did not become the actual ruler until 1689. He commenced reforming the country, attempting to turn the Russian Tsardom into a modernized empire relying on trade and on a strong, professional army and navy.

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: -After Peter’s death, his wife Catherine I ascended the throne. But when she died in 1727, Peter’s grandson, Peter II, was crowned tsar. In 1730, Anna Ivanovna, whose father Ivan V had been co-ruler with Peter, ascended the throne.