On June 9, 1672, Tsar-Reformer Peter I, the future Emperor of Russia, was born. He was distinguished by his courage, high work ethic, managerial talent, and foresight. His reforms fundamentally transformed the social life of Russia and elevated the country to the status of a world power. Peter I was the youngest son of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. He spoke German, Dutch, English, and French. He was physically strong and had a good memory. He showed interest in carpentry, turning, gunsmithing, and blacksmithing crafts. In April 1682, Peter and his brother Ivan were elevated to the throne at the age of 10, with their older sister Sophia appointed as regent. From 1689, he began to rule jointly with his brother, and from 1696 (after Ivan's death) he became the sole Tsar. One of his top priorities was to ensure Russia's access to the non-freezing Black Sea to stimulate trade and strengthen the country's borders. This was connected with Peter's intensification of the struggle against Turkey within the Holy League. The result of these efforts was the capture of Azov in 1695-1696. In the years 1697-1698, Peter undertook a journey through Europe as part of the Grand Embassy. Abroad, he gained extensive knowledge in artillery and shipbuilding. After meeting with the Polish king August II, he decided to shift the center of his foreign policy activity from the south to the north and to gain access to the shores of the Baltic Sea, which were to be conquered from Sweden, the most powerful state in Europe at that time. During the Great Northern War (1700-1721), Russia under the leadership of Peter I achieved victory over Sweden and its allies, thereby regaining crucial access to the Baltic Sea for trade and further development of the country. A significant outcome of the war was the establishment of a regular army and a navy. Seeking to make the state more efficient, he carried out reforms in education and public administration, and also built a new capital - St. Petersburg. Under Peter I, permanent diplomatic and consular representations were established abroad for the first time in our Russia. In 1721, Russia was proclaimed an empire, and Peter I became the first Russian emperor.