Peter I's early life
Peter was born in Moscow. His father was Czar Alexis, who died in 1676. Alexis was succeeded as czar by his oldest son, Feodor. Feodor died in 1682. Peter then came to the throne at the age of 10, along with his weak-minded half brother Ivan V. However, Peter's half sister Sophia actually ruled Russia until 1689. Peter's followers forced Sophia to retire that year, and Peter eventually became the sole ruler of Russia.
Peter had been interested in military matters as a youth. He also had enjoyed spending time with foreign military officers who lived in Moscow, and he learned much about European civilization from them. In 1695, a number of these officers helped Peter lead a force against the Ottoman Empire. Peter conquered the Ottoman port of Azov on the Black Sea in 1696.
In 1697 and 1698, Peter toured Western Europe with a group of Russian delegates to seek allies for Russia against the Ottoman Empire. He traveled for about 17 months, mostly in England and the Netherlands. Peter also recruited Western experts to bring modern techniques of engineering, architecture, art, and science to Russia. Russia then lagged far behind other European nations in these areas.
A revolt of his royal guards forced Peter to return to Russia in 1698. Peter crushed the revolt. This victory made him the unquestioned master of Russia.
Excerpt adapted from the "Peter I, the Great," article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999