I am here to change the world, one step at a time. Peter the Great, one of the most influential tsars in Russian history, once declared, "I am here to change the world, one step at a time." This quote encapsulates his ambitious vision and determination to transform his country.

Peter the Great (whom the Russians generally call Peter I - Pyotr Pervy) is beloved in Russia, and all the more so in St. Petersburg, where he is rightfully lauded as the Founder of the City, and honored with numerous memorials. Peter the Great was the youngest son of Alexey I and his second wife, Natalya Naryshkina.

Peter the Great is known for the reforms and projects which he undertook to westernize Russia from 1696 to 1725. In addition, Peter had military victories over Russia's great rivals: the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Sweden. These victories lead to territorial gains and the creation of the Russian Navy.

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.