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 westernizat

Upon learning of the deception, the Streltsy were infuriated and stormed into the palace and butchered many including close friends of the royal family. Upon growing tired of the carnage, the Streltsy retreated from the Kremlin (Massie 46). This first murderous revolt was the source of unstable relations between the military class and the Tsars for years to come. Peter and his half-brother Ivan, children at the time, were forced to witness the brutal slaughter of people close to them and it is likely that Peter remembered these atrocities when he condemned many of the Streltsy to die in the future.

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's barbarity towards those who revolted against him allowed him to obtain an even greater amount of power in Russia. His intimidation was only elevated by his appearance. Peter was considered a giant in this time period with a towering height of 6'7. His dark features and massive size were very intimidating and allowed him to easily gain the control of his subordinates (Massie 134). During his many travels to Western Europe his attempts at anonymity were often unsuccessful because of his great height and many companions (Troyat 93). Peter's extraordinary curiosity about western culture brought forth several trips to trips to the countries of Western Europe, often traveling incognito (Rempel 3). He traveled in disguise so that he could learn about the aspects of Western Culture from a different viewpoint and he gained a lot of knowledge from these voyages.

Peter sent Peter Tolstoy, one of his best diplomats to Naples with the mission of returning his son to Russia by any means necessary. Tolstoy was given a letter, which informed Alexis that his father would pardon him if he returned and that if he did not, he would be deemed a traitor, and Peter would use force in order to bring him back (Massie 686). Alexis first refused to return but quickly reconsidered when Tolstoy lied, telling him that Peter was coming himself to seize him. Alexis agreed to return to Russia if he was granted two requests, to be allowed to live a simple life in a country house and that he be allowed to marry Afrosina. Tolstoy told Alexis that he would grant the demands, later writing to Peter, telling him that Alexis' disappearance would be explained by Alexis running away with a mistress and not because of problems with his father

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 whe

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