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From an early age, Peter's education was put in the hands of several tutors commissioned by his father. After the death of his father, Peter's half-brother, Feodor, was left to take care of his education.
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Peter's life was constantly under threat from factions surrounding the two widows of his father. When Peter's father died in January of 1967, his elder brother succeeded as Feodor III. His succession was legal and no-one could dispute it.
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When Peter was young, he was fascinated by modern tools and machines in foreigner's ships. He also has a passion for ships and the sea.
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People in German quarter of Moscow were accustomed to seeing the young Peter striding through neighborhood.
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Peter's eldest brother, Feodor, died in 1682.
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After the death of Feodor, there was a dispute between the two families over who should inherit the throne. Peter's other half-brother, Ivan, was next in line for the throne, but he was chronically ill and incapable of taking over the throne. The council decided that Peter would become Czar and his mother would be regent.
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When Peter was young, he believed that Russia's future depended on having a warm-water port. Russia could then compete with more modern states of western Europe.
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Peter's mother selected his first wife, Eudoxia, with the advice of other nobles in 1689. They had three children together, only one made it to adulthood, but was later executed for treason by Peter himself at the age of 28.
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In 1967, Peter embarked on the "Grand Embassy" which was a long visit to Western Europe. One of Peter's goals was to learn about European customs and manufacturing techniques. It was also the first time a czar traveled among Western "heretics"
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Peter believed education was the key to Russia's progress.To promote education and growth Peter wanted a seaport that would make travel to West easier
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Peter officially got married to his second wife, Catherine. They had 11 children together,only two survived to adulthood.
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In 1718, Peter convicted his eldest son, Alexei, of treason and had him secretly executed.
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In 1721, Peter proclaimed Russia an empire and received the titles, Emperor of All Russia, Great Father of the Fatherland, and "the Great."
