On 22 October 1721, Peter the Great of Russia took a significant step in consolidating his authority by adopting the grand title "Emperor of All Russia," an act that formally established Russia as an empire on the European stage.
The move came after Russia's victory in the Great Northern War against Sweden, which had elevated Peter's prestige both domestically and abroad.
By claiming the imperial title, Peter not only asserted his dominance over vast Russian territories but also positioned himself among the major monarchs of Europe, signalling Russia's arrival as a powerful, modernising force.
This bold declaration encapsulated his ambition to propel Russia into a new era of development, reform, and expansion, forever altering the course of the nation's history.
