Jill Dempsey

Peter was born in Moscow in 1772 At ten years old he became a Tsar of Russia after his brother Theodor died in He shared the thrown with his half brother Ivan from his father’s first marriage. But because both boys were so young their older sister Sophia was given the power to rule. When Peter was seventeen he challenged Sophia and removed her from the thrown.

The great Northern War sparked the idea to create St. Petersburg It was founded in 1703 It became the capital of Russia in 1713 It continued to expand for 200 years after that.

One of Peter’s goals was to modernize Russia He forced State Officials and the military to shave their beards and wear more modern clothing. Peter changed his title of tsar to emperor He raised the status of woman.

Peter created a Russian navy. Russia had about 48 ships by Russia defeated Sweden's navy taking control of Baltic Sea territories.

Peter had two wives He had a total of fourteen children, only three of which lived to adult hood. His oldest child Alexei was tried for being involved with a plan to overthrow Peter. He was sentenced to be executed, but died in jail instead because Peter was hesitant to signing the execution papers for his own son. (Photo on right: Alexei)

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