Czar of Russia, jointly with Ivan V (r.1682-96) and alone (r.1696-1725), proclaimed emperor in 1721. During his reign Russia gained territory through wars with the Ottoman Turks (1686-1700), with Sweden in the Great Northern War and with Persia (1722-23). Peter's most important success was to gain access to the Baltic, where he founded his new capital at St Petersburg. He also made great efforts to westernise and modernise Russia, visiting western Europe to inspect shipyards, arsenals and museums. His many reforms included a complete overhaul of the administration. It extended the power of the crown at the expense of the church and the nobility, establishing a fleet and a regular army, reforming the Russian alphabet and calendar, and enforcing Western customs and dress. These reforms were introduced in the most despotic and brutal manner and at great cost. The nobility was conscripted into lifetime service to the state, while military conscription and excessive taxation imposed a massive burden on the peasantry that was deeply resented. Those who resisted or criticised Peter's rule, including his son Alexei, received no mercy.