Why is Peter the great is important?

Peter the Great is important for transforming Russia into a major European power in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His extensive reforms modernized the Russian military, government, and economy, introducing Western technologies and administrative practices. He also founded St. Petersburg, which became a symbol of Russia's new identity and a critical port for trade. Peter's reign marked a significant shift in Russian society, laying the groundwork for future modernization efforts.