1717 Peter makes a second tour through Europe. A general police, modelled on that of France, is instituted.
1718 Peter’s eldest son, Alexis, is executed. The old prikaz is replaced by colleges for foreign affairs, finance, justice, and commerce.
1719 The Russians ravage Sweden almost up to the gates of Stockholm.
1720 The Russians renew their devastation of Sweden, notwithstanding the presence of an English fleet.
1721 Treaty of Nystad with Sweden: Peter is left master of Livonia, Esthonia, Ingria, and the districts of Viborg and Kexholm in Finland. Peter promulgates an ukase (afterwards abrogated by Paul) that the sovereign has the right of naming his successor. The Patriarchate is abolished and its income united to the public revenue. In its place the holy synod is established for the supreme direction of church affairs.
1722 The tchin is established: whoever enters the service of that state becomes a gentleman. The exporting of merchandise through Archangel is prohibited in favor of St. Petersburg.
1722-24 War with Persia. The provinces of Ghilan, Mazandaran, and Astrabad (Astarabath) are annexed to Russia.
1725 Death of Peter. He is succeeded by his second wife, Catherine.
1726-27 The St. Petersburg Academy of Science founded.
1727 Death of Catherine. She is succeeded by Peter II, son of Alexis. Menshikov, who was the real ruler of Russia under Catherine, is banished to Siberia.