Final answer:
St. Petersburg is the city that provided Russia with the "window on the sea," as envisioned by Peter the Great, allowing for a port city on the Baltic Sea to become a center for naval presence and Western trade. Constructed in the early 18th century and influenced by European architecture, St. Petersburg was pivotal in Russia's emergence as a European power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The city that gave Russia the "window on the sea" that Peter the Great wanted is St. Petersburg. Peter the Great built this city on the Baltic Sea to serve as a port city that would allow Russia to have a naval presence and facilitate trade with Western Europe. Before St. Petersburg, Russia did not have a significant year-round ice-free port, and its access to the sea was limited. The establishment of St. Petersburg was a significant historical event that positioned Russia as a European power with vital access to maritime trade routes. St. Petersburg, known as the cultural center of Russia, also served as the capital of the Russian Empire for a period of time.
Peter the Great's visit to Europe significantly influenced his vision for St. Petersburg. He aimed to modernize Russia by adopting European administrative techniques and developing the country's naval capabilities. The construction of St. Petersburg using European architects and planners was a step towards this modernization and his ambition of creating a city that could rival other European capitals.
St. Petersburg's historical significance extends beyond its origin, as it played a vital role during World War II. The city endured a harrowing siege by the German military, during which about one million civilians died. Despite its tragedies, St. Petersburg remains a testament to Peter the Great's vision and to Russia's resilience and strategic capabilities over centuries.