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Peter I, the Great (1672-1725), was one of the most famous rulers in history. He ruled first as czar (king) of Russia and later became Russia's first emperor. Peter transformed Russia from an isolated and backward country into a great European power. Early life. Peter was born in Moscow. His father was Czar Alexis. Alexis died in 1676 and was succeeded as czar by his oldest son, Fedor. Fedor died in 1682. Peter then came to the …

…to "Westernize" Russian life. Peter's rule also had some harmful effects. To finance his military campaigns and domestic reforms, Peter imposed high taxes on the Russian people. He also dealt harshly with people who opposed the reforms. Peter forced many Russians to work against their will in his mines and factories and on building projects. Peter also extended serfdom, a system under which the majority of Russian peasants lived in conditions little better than slavery.