Creation of St . Petersburg

Creation ofSt. Petersburg

Daria Dobrowolski

Entrance to the Baltic At the end of the 17th century, Peter the Great wanted

to gain access to the Baltic Sea. He also hoped to have contact with the West.

Peter the Great started the Northern War with Sweden in order to gain access to the Baltic.

In 1703, Peter took over and controlled the Neva river, and also founded the city of St. Petersburg.

The Northern War (1700-1721)

The Northern War was against Sweden for access to the Baltic Sea and also regain control over the lands of North Western Russia, land that was lost in 1613.

The Nistadt Peace Treaty was signed in 1721 after an invasion of Sweden; Russians now had access to the Baltic, and they could keep the land along with their new capital- St. Petersburg.

The Baltic Sea

Peter wanted to control the Baltic Sea so he could expand Russia.

He also wanted the Baltic Sea because it would bring Russia closer to the West.

It was also a warm port, so Russians could trade all year.

The Cabin of Peter the Great

First residence in city was built by Peter himself.

It was built out of wood, and Peter live in the house between 1703-1708.

It is still open to the public today.

Building the City

Peter admired European culture and St. Petersburg was modeled after European cities.

Over 30,000 people, usually prisoners, died working on the city. Dysentery and malaria was spreading and the workers would be harshly punished, from mutilation to execution.

Works Cited

http://europeanhistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa021201a.htm

www.saint-petersburg.com/history/foundation.asp

www.saint-petersburg.com/history/first-years.asp