Final answer:
Peter the Great's reign was dominated by his efforts to modernize Russia, incorporating Western technologies and administrative practices. He aimed to leverage Russia's natural resources and elevate its status to that of a great European power. His legacy of expansion and modernization influenced subsequent leaders and contributed significantly to Russia's stature in Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peter the Great, reigning from 1672 to 1725, dedicated his rule to the massive undertaking of modernizing Russia. Visiting Europe under disguise, he studied shipbuilding and new administrative methods for 18 months, which served as a catalyst for his reforms back home. Recognizing the economic potential of Russia's vast natural resources, Peter sought to overcome the country’s technological and cultural lag behind Europe. Economic envy and the desire to establish Russia as a formidable power fueled his endeavors. His ambition reflected a broader trend within the Russian leadership that extended beyond his reign, seen in efforts by rulers like Catherine the Great who continued pushing for expansion and the challenge to the Ottoman Empire with the aim to make Moscow a dominant influence.
One of Peter's strategies for asserting Russian power and security was to challenge the Ottoman Empire's control and to acquire strategic territories on the Baltic and Black seas. Such a forward-looking approach saw the establishment of the new capital, St. Petersburg, symbolizing the empire’s European aspirations. Peter’s efforts paved the way for Russia's transformation into a vast and influential empire by the 19th century, despite subsequent czars facing resistance when trying to further modernize the state.
Ultimately, Peter the Great's vision and the tactical expansions under subsequent rulers like Catherine the Great positioned Russia as a large and populous nation in Europe by 1815. This influence, however, did not translate into immediate economic development due to the autocratic system's resistance to reforms that could undermine absolute rule. Noticeably, by the time Napoleon sought to challenge Russia, it was the one continental power in Europe that stood largely outside of his control, emphasizing the significant status that Peter the Great's efforts had secured for the Russian Empire.