In 1689, Peter Seized power. He desired to enhance the power of Russia. He wanted to cement Russia’s military dominance be increasing naval capability. However in the late seventeenth century, this was not possible because direct Russian lands had no access to the Caspian, Baltic, or the Black Sea. Peter was determined to change this and in 1695 he attacked a part of the Ottoman Empire attempting to capture Azov. His first attempt was unsuccessful, but a year later he returned with a stronger fleet, prompting a successful capture of Azov and advances to access of the Black Sea (Peter I).
As Peter became more concerned about the inability to defeat Turkey, he adapted to focus on finding access to Baltic Sea. He and the Russian military were able to acquire territories such as Estonia and Karelia, west of existing territory in battles of the Northern War. In addition retained the portion of Finland that held the Saint Petersburg, a modern named capital of Russia in 1712. Through a series of treaties and agreements (Treaty of Nystad) in 1720s, Russia gained a strong stake on the Baltic.
These Territorial expansions were a staple of Peter’s reign of Russia from 1682-1725 and were instrumental in the capabilities of economic gain through sea trade, military prestige and the greatness of Russia justifying the title Great for Peter.
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Next: Military Advances