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Towards the end of the seventeenth century Russia differed very little from what it had been at the end of the fifteenth. During the reign of Russia's desire for change and a quest for progress was reaching levels comparable to those of Europe. is associated ....

Middle of Essay
.... seen in the eyes of his contemporaries and of modern historians. In order to understand the image of and his significance it is necessary to know his background and the influences that shaped his life. was the fourteenth child of Alexei Mikhailovich, born in Moscow on May 30, 1672. Tsar Alexis died when Peter was four years old. His mother raised Peter. Tsars' Alexis son from his first marriage, Feodor Alekseevich succeeded to the throne but his reign did not last long. On April 27, 1682, Tsar Feodor died. In line to succeed him were, his brother Ivan and Peter who was his half-brother. Peter was only ten years old. With the assistance of ....