By: HISTORY.com Editors

1725

Peter the Great dies

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: February 09, 2010

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On February 8, 1725, Peter the Great, emperor of Russia, dies and is succeeded by his wife, Catherine I.

Romanov Family

Did the Romanovs survive? Get the full story.

The reign of Peter, who became sole czar in 1696, was characterized by a series of sweeping military, political, economic, and cultural reforms based on Western European models. Russian victories in major conflicts with Persia and the Ottoman Empire greatly expanded Peter’s empire, and the defeat of Sweden in the Great Northern War won Russia direct access to the Baltic Sea. Here, Peter founded the new Russian capital of St. Petersburg, and Russia became a major European power–politically, culturally, and geographically. In 1721, Peter abandoned the traditional Russian title of czar in favor of the European-influenced title of emperor. Four years later, he died.

Why Peter the Great Tortured and Killed His Own Son

The terrified tsarevich volunteered to relinquish his claim to the throne, but that wasn't enough to appease his powerful father.

Seated Tsar Peter I of Russia, also known as Peter the Great, with his son tsarevich Alexei Petrovich. (Credit: Culture Club/Getty Images)

By: Jesse Greenspan

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1887

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1904

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1915

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1924

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1936

Jay Berwanger picked No. 1 in first NFL draft

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1943

Americans secure Guadalcanal

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1949

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1960

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1968

Three protesters die in the Orangeburg Massacre

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1978

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Citation Information

Article title: Peter the Great dies
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/february-8/peter-the-great-dies

Date Accessed: August 01, 2025
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 27, 2025
Original Published Date: February 09, 2010

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