Peter the Great's reign over Russia paved the way for Russia's future as a world power. His many reforms and westernization of the country influenced millions and left a lasting legacy. The complexity of Peter is astonishing, his intellectual curiosity, combined with his hasty temper and cruelty caused a tumultuous but successful reign as Tsar. His brilliance as a ruler profoundly effected Russian society but his cruel decisions left an indelible mark on his legacy. He established his absolute power by fiercely putting down rebellions and even in personal relations with his wife and children. His cruelty and anger shown in his decisions gave him the power that allowed him to push Russia forward and allowed him to become the influential leader that he is known as today.

Peter's influence on Russian society was remarkable. He inherited the position of Tsar in 1682 at the age of 10 but did not come to rule until 1689 when he overturned his sister Sophia's regency and took control over the country with his half-brother Ivan. He took absolute control over the country six years later when Ivan died (Duffy and Ricci 190). His countless reforms and westernization o

Afrosina had stayed behind while Alexis was transported to Russia. When she arrived expecting to marry Alexis, she was immediately arrested. In Afrosina's possession, two letters written by Alexis were found. One was addressed to the Russian Senate and the other to the archbishops of the Russian Orthodox Church. The letters were very incriminating and revealed that Alexis still desired to flee Russia (Massie 699). Peter decided to question both Alexis and Afrosina separately, hoping that Afrosina would incriminate Alexis.

The Streltsy were simple Russians who took advantage of their status in the Russian Military. Many opened shops but didn't have to pay taxes on their earnings because of their position in the military and some became quite wealthy (Massie 39). The Streltsy had been under watch from the Tsars for a long period when Peter inherited the position and there were worries about a possible overthrow. The Streltsy were first tricked into marching to the royal family after they were told that Ivan had been murdered. When the Streltsy arrived, it was believed that they were revolting against the royal family when they really had the intention of protecting them (Massie 43).

Not all of those who were among the revolting Streltsy were executed though. Men under the age of 20 were branded on the right cheek and exiled from Russia while some had their ears or noses cut off. These men served as constant reminders of the rebellion and how harshly it was put down (Duffy and Ricci 208). It is possible that Peter himself served as an executioner as some sources stated (Massie 260). Peter used this rebellion to strengthen his grip on Russia, asserting his power and shutting down this revolt sent a strong message to his opposition.

Peter the Great's complexity as a ruler allowed him to accomplish a great deal as Tsar. His cruelty in crushing rebellions gave him a powerful grip on the nation and the power to make drastic changes. Although Peter was not always present in Russia he made sure to keep informed of the happenings in his country, returning if it was necessary. When Peter crushed the Streltsy Rebellion in 1698, he asserted his dominance and authority, sending a strong message to opposing forces. The ferocity of Peter's dealings with the Streltsy played a major part in the advancement of Russian society.

Alexis, the Tsarevich, and heir to the throne, feared his father enormously throughout his life and was not at all interested in many of the things associated with his father (Hosking 93). Peter struggled to educate Alexis on the things he would need to know in order to become Tsar but Alexis seemed to have no interest. Alexis even questioned his father's reforms and angered him greatly. Alexis' hate for his father grew to the point where he would take medicines to make himself ill so he wouldn't have to make public appearances or duties (Massie 670).

Peter's cruelty influenced many of his decisions concerning the Russian Military. He was quick to suppress any revolts and his punishments were almost always harsh to show that he was not to be betrayed. His sentences for those who betrayed him in the Streltsy Rebellion were brutal. Peter condemned thousands for execution and used torture as a means of inflicting pain on those who had dishonored him, not only as a means to acquire a confession (Hosking 77). His power was shown even more greatly when he brought his own sister Sophia under questioning and confined her permanently to a convent, held under watch of a hundred guards and allowed no visitors (Massie 257).

Peter worried about a cause for rebellion and saw this incident as a possible spark for revolt. It was essential for Peter to locate his son and reconcile to prevent any further plans of rebellion. Alexis was content with his surroundings however, and still cowered at the thought of returning to his father. When Alexis learned of his father's pursuit, he fled once again. A

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