Peter I of Russia

Peter I, also known as Peter the Great, was the Tsar of Russia from 1682 until his death in 1725. He is renowned for his extensive reforms aimed at modernizing Russia and transforming it into a major European power. Peter's reign marked the beginning of Russia's expansionist policies, which included the exploration and colonization of parts of North America, notably Alaska. His initiatives laid the foundation for Russia's emergence as a formidable empire.