What significant change did Peter the Great make regarding Russia's capital?

Peter the Great made a significant change by moving Russia's capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg in 1712. This relocation was part of his broader efforts to modernize Russia and open it more to Western influences. St. Petersburg was strategically positioned on the Baltic Sea, which was crucial for trade and military access to Europe. The city was designed to embody Peter's vision of a modern, European-style capital, featuring grand architecture and planned urban design.

The decision to move the capital was also a political statement, signaling a shift in focus towards Europe and away from the traditional heartland of Russian power in Moscow. This transition was indicative of Peter's wider reforms, which aimed to transform Russia into a major European power. St. Petersburg remained the capital of Russia until 1918, highlighting the lasting impact of Peter's decision on the country's political landscape.