Peter the Great sought to modernize and westernize Russia through educational, cultural, and architectural reforms. He established the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg to promote education based on Western models. Peter also mandated cultural changes like requiring men to shave their beards to look more western. Architecturally, Peter commissioned grand buildings like the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg inspired by foreign styles to symbolize Russia's opening to Western ideas. Through these reforms, Peter transformed Russia and left a lasting legacy still visible today in St. Petersburg's historic monuments and museums.

1. The Influence of Peter the Great

2. IntroductionThis slide show will display the impact of Peter the Great on Russia. During his reign, Peter sought to literally transform Russia into a modernized country. Peter was heavily influenced by the Western world and these slides will show images of how Peter imported ideas from the Western world into Russian society. You will see a visual representation of Peter’s educational reforms and cultural changes regarding appearance. Another major interest of Peter the Great’s was architecture. This slide show will have examples of Russian architecture in St Petersburg that were influenced by Peter.

3. This is the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg. This slide reflects the educational reforms of Peter the Great. Originally the academy consisted of three departments, mathematical, physical and historical.

4. Here is one of St. Petersburg's most famous sights the Kazan Cathedral. Built in 1801 the Kazan Cathedral was constructed in the shape of a cross, this slide gives us an example of cathedral architecture and the religious influence in St. Petersburg.

5. The shaving of the beards. This slide represents one of the major changes in Russian culture under Peter the Great. Peter wanted to import Western manners, dress and style and this included shaving beards. This was a major problem with Russian traditionalists as they claimed it obstructed the image of God, but nevertheless Peter demanded the change.

6. Here is the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg constructed by Count BartolomeoRastrelli. The Winter Palace is a representation of the foreign influence Peter the Great introduced during his reign.

7. This is an image of the Palace Square in St Petersburg. This slide represents another example of the architectural achievement and design that separated St Petersburg from Moscow.

8. Conclusion Peter the Great’s influence in Russia can still be witnessed today. St. Petersburg is home to many historical monuments and museums in which a visitor can bare witness to Peter’s impact first hand. As seen in the slides, Peter’s contributions to education and cultural reform were a major aspect of reign. The intention of this slide show was to give a visual interpretation of some of the major changes Peter implemented throughout his reign. You have now witnessed a small look at the great, cultural, educational and architectural achievements in Russia, that were influenced by Peter the Great.