Peter the Great (1672-1725), born Petr Alekseevich Romanov, dramatically reshaped Russia as Tsar and later Emperor from 1682 to his death in 1725. Ruling alongside his half-brother Ivan V until 1696, Peter’s impact on Russian society and culture is profound, marking a definitive “before” and “after” in the nation’s history. His reign is a pivotal era for Peter The Great Studies, compelling historians and enthusiasts to explore his transformative influence.
Peter the Great’s sweeping reforms touched every facet of Russian life. He westernized the elite, modernizing dress, language, and social customs. Furthermore, his ambitious vision propelled advancements in Russian art, literature, religious practices, scientific inquiry, and architectural styles. Though a figure of ongoing debate and diverse interpretations, Peter the Great’s rule undeniably stands as a major turning point in Russian history, making Peter the Great studies a crucial area for understanding Russia’s development. His legacy includes monumental achievements like the establishment of St. Petersburg in 1703, a decisive victory over Sweden at the Battle of Poltava in 1709, and the creation of the Russian navy, a lifelong passion that significantly altered Russia’s global presence.
Peter the Great portrait. A half-length depiction from the Library of Congress collection, showcasing the Russian Emperor with a sword, a key figure for Peter the Great studies and 18th-century Russian history research.
For those engaged in Peter the Great studies, the Library of Congress offers an unparalleled collection of primary and secondary sources. This guide highlights the Library’s rich holdings, particularly its rare 18th-century Russian print materials, including invaluable legal documents. These resources provide unique avenues for in-depth Peter the Great studies and exploration of his era. The Library’s collections feature materials primarily in English and Russian, and also encompass works in French, German, Latin, Danish, and Dutch, catering to diverse linguistic research needs within Peter the Great studies.
These invaluable items for Peter the Great studies are accessible across various divisions within the Library of Congress. Researchers can find relevant materials in the General Collections, the Rare Book & Special Collections Reading Room, the Law Library, the Prints & Photographs Reading Room, the Manuscript Reading Room, and the Motion Picture/TV Reading Room. For researchers embarking on Peter the Great studies, the Library provides further assistance through the “Ask a Librarian” service, ensuring comprehensive support for navigating these extensive resources.
