Peter the Great

by Chris L. and Julie G.

Peter ruled Russia at age 10 when his father died along with his half brother Ivan V, and his half sister Sophia. Sophia actually ruled Russia, but then in 1689 Peter's followers forced Sophia to retire. Later Peter became the only leader of Russia.

Throughout Peter's rule he made many contributions to Russia. Peter introduced many reforms to Russia. Also he built metal works so Russia could produce its arms (in 1725, there were over a 100 factories). He also started textile industry. Textile industry also refers to the fibers and yarns used to make fabrics and textiles.

During his rule Peter westernized Russia. While Peter was in Holland he would peek into the windows of the Dutch houses. He did this to see how the Dutch lived, this was used to help him in his westernization of Russia. He also visited arms factories in Prussia, worked in Dutch ship yards. He also watched Dutch doctors do surgery on people. Later on he became interested in medicine. He used this to westernize Europe.

Peter suffered from a mental illness called, paranoia. Paranoia is a mental illness in which the person who suffers from it is always suspicious of everyone around them. They are always thinking that someone is out to get them. Because of this mental illiness Peter had many people killed who he thought were out to kill him. He even had some of his family members killed.