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Date of Birth
Peter I, originally Pyotr Alekseyevich, was born on May 30th, 1672. His parents were Czar Alexis and Natalia Naryshkin. Czar Alexis had married twice, first to Maria Miloslavsky. Peter’s mom, Natalia, was the daughter of a landowner in Russia. The birth of Peter was significant because he later became a czar of Russia. He would help make many positive changes.
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Bacteria was Discovered
Anton Van Leeuwenhoek invented the microscope, which allowed him to discover bacteria in 1674. He was born in Holland in 1632, and started as an apprentice at a draper shop. The magnifying glasses used there inspired him to make the microscope, which he used to discover bacteria, yeasts, and life in water. Leeuwenhoek died in 1723. His work was significant because bacteria is in a lot of things, and the microscope is now a major part of biology today. Source: (Bellis) -
Newton Writes “Principia”
Isaac Newton wrote the book “Principia” in 1687. People argue it’s the most important book in European History. The book contained Newton’s three laws of motion, and many other important laws about gravitation. The book contained information that backed up Kepler’s laws. This book was significant because it became a very important book and it changed the beliefs of so many Europeans.
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The Jamaican Earthquake
The Jamaican Earthquake hit Port Royal, Jamaica in 1692. Port Royal was a major area for piracy before the disasters. When the earthquake hit, it destroyed a lot of the island, and caused a tsunami to hit. The ground was very loosely packed, so it nearly liquified when the tsunami hit, causing every building to sink into the ground. The island was 40 feet underwater. This earthquake was significant because it killed over 5,000 people and devastated Port Royal. Source: (History.com editors) -
The Grand Embassy
The Grand Embassy was very important to Russian history. The journey allowed Peter to find out about international situations. He also went to find out about culture in Western Europe. There, he spent four months learning about shipbuilding. Learning about this helped him form a navy for Russia. He also went to schools, arsenals, museums and a Parliament session to learn more about Western Europe. By doing this, Peter found out what it took to westernize Russia. Source: (Nikiforov) -
The Streltsy Destruction
Peter the Great was negotiating with other countries during the Grand Embassy. However, he heard of a Streltsy revolt in Moscow, so he was forced to return back to Russia. The Streltsy were armed Russian guards. When he got to Moscow, he immediately ended the revolt. Peter had hundreds of Streltsy executed, and the rest were exiled to places far away. The Streltsy revolt was significant because it brought Peter back to Russia and stopped the revolt.
Source: (Nikiforov) -
Thomas Savery Invents the Steam Engine
In 1698, Thomas Savery invented the steam engine. Savery was born in Shilston, England in 1650. His family was rich, so he got a good education. This helped him invent the steam engine. This takes water and moves it up using a vaccum to suck the water up a pipe. It was useful in keeping mines and pits free of water. This was later used in locomotives, which helped move people around faster. This invention was significant because it helped make a new form of transportation. Source: (Bellis) -
European Renaissance Ends
The European Renaissance started in 1400 and ended in 1700. It was a period where new technology was made, painting and sculpting emerged, and there were new subjects to study. There were many great artists, such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael Sanzio. The Renaissance ended in 1700 when mannerism started to rise in Europe. The Renaissance was significant because it introduced new technology and new art was made. Source: (History Channel Editors) -
The Northern War
The Northern War (1700-1721) was caused by Peter wanting land on the Baltic Sea. He wanted it because Russia was landlocked. However, Sweden was controlling the land Peter wanted. Therefore, Peter allied with Saxony and Denmark-Norway. There were many battles, and in the end, Peter won. To celebrate Peter’s victory, he became Emperor instead of czar. The war was important because it gave Russia land on the Baltic Sea and the seaport Peter wanted.
Source: (Nikiforov) -
Yale University Founded
Yale University was founded in 1701 in New Haven, Connecticut. It was established because colonists wanted to make a local college so European education would spread throughout the new world. It was officially named Yale college in 1718. The formation of the college was important because it brought education from Europe to the colonies. Source: (Yale University) -
The Creation of St. Petersburg
Peter the Great claimed an area of land on the Neva delta. He wanted to guard it, so he planned on building a fortress there. Instead, he built a city. He wanted it to be a symbol of the new Russia Peter envisioned. He named the city after his patron saint. Construction of the city was completed in 1706. The city’s creation was significant because St. Petersburg became Russia’s new capital, and Peter took another step towards his goal of westernizing Russia. Source: (Grey 220) -
Sweden marches on Russia
King Charles XII of Sweden prepared a massive army to invade Russia. Peter had made things hard for Charles and his army. They burned the land so he couldn’t take anything special or find shelter, and he tore down bridges. Luckily for Charles, he only lost a few men from drowning. On September 28, the two armies met, and a massive battle started. In the end, Peter was victorious. The battle was significant because it brought Russia a step closer to victory in the Northern War. Source: (Grey 273) -
Peter visits Paris
On April 26 1717, Peter entered Paris. He did this because he needed allies against Sweden, so he turned to France. He talked to their new king, Louis XV, who was only seven. He was very polite to Louis, so Peter earned France’s respect. While in Paris, he also studied the architecture and took more classes. The result of the negotiations was a peace treaty between Russia, Prussia and France. His visit was important because it brought peace between the three countries. Source: (Grey 335) -
Peter and Alexei
Peter’s oldest son Alexei had grown up, and was getting ready to take the throne. However, Alexei was very unlike Peter; he had no interest in westernizing Russia at all. Eventually, Peter became very mad at Alexei, and sentenced him to death. He accused Alexei of making false statements, plotting against Peter and wishing for his death. Alexei died on June 26, 1718, by Peter’s orders. His death was significant because Alexei would’ve stopped the westernization of Russia.
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Reforms From the Northern War
The Northern War had ended, and Russia had won. Peter had to reform Russia, and he also set new goals. One of them was to make a water route from St. Petersburg to Moscow. When he died, 20 miles of a canal were completed. He also revolutionized the church. By winning the war, Peter gained the seaport he wanted for a long time. He was also able to westernize Russia, which he always wanted to do. The reforms were significant because he brought more positive changes to Russia.
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Date of Death
Peter died in February 1725 from sickness. He had spotted a boat that was in danger of capsizing. He jumped into the freezing water to save the sailors. Peter saved them, but it made him become very sick. He had surgery to make it better, but it only cured him for a short time. On the day he died, he started a letter. It read, “Give all to.” He became too weak to say who would become the next emperor. His death was significant because it set up the rule of Catherine the Great.
Source: (Grey 429)
