Russia expanded and transformed, reaching its peak under Peter the Great. He modernized the country, founded St. Petersburg, and extended its borders, establishing Russia as a major European power.
What Life Was Like in the Time of War and Peace: Imperial Russia, AD 1696-1917
First two sections discuss Romanov rule, including Peter, and life on a country estate
Peter the Great and Tsarist Russia
Biography of Peter the Great and description of life in his Russia