Peter the First

Peter the Great

Peter the Great was one of the most famous tsars in Russian history. Peter the Great was the first Russian leader to travel outside his country. He traveled around Europe and brought many new ideas and changes to Russia.

Peter wanted Russia to be as great as the European countries. He decided to go to Europe to learn everything he could. But he didn’t want to travel as the leader and disguised himself as a common soldier. It wasn't easy to hide the huge and powerful Tsar of Russia and soon everyone in Europe knew about the traveling Russian. In 1697 under the name of Peter Michailov he went abroad. From abroad Peter brought tobacco and potatoes. He improved economics of Russia. Also he created the first Russian fleet.

Peter the Great, or Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov, was born on 30 May, 1672 in Moscow. He had five brothers. When he was 3 years old (in 1676) his father died. In 1682 when Peter was 10 years old, he became a tsar.

As a tsar Peter did his best to improve the life in Russia. He wanted to change the government, the military, and religion. A lot of canals, factories, schools, hospitals were built during his time. Peter changed the alphabet and the calender. It wasn't easy to introduce new things so he was often cruel and heartless. In spite of many difficulties Peter kept on changing Russia up to his death in 1725.

Peter the Great is a hero for me because he was very important for Russian politics and economy. I think that he changed the future of my country forever. I'd also like to be as energetic as Peter the Great and to be useful for my country.