“The Founder and Father of his Empire”: Voltaire on the Peace of Nystad and the Imperial Status of Russia

The purpose of the paper is revealing peculiarities Voltaire’s views on last stage Northern War, ended by Treaty Nystad, as well presenting specific character great enlightener’s evaluation Russian empire and its historical role. author finds out, why Voltaire, condemning fascination with history wars kings, in his two works: «The History Charles XII» Empire under Peter Great» paid attention to War I’s participation it. reasons French historian interest named subject are viewed terms modern methods analysis, «philosophical» basis war civilization, features presentation.The shows change attitude interpretation military subjects, first covered then Great». focus up present-day controversial issue, whether I was involved Gorth–Alberoni conspiracy, aimed at complete political appearance Europe. 18th century ultimately came conclusion that Tsar had made use Gorth’s plans a tactic means for solving own foreign policy problems. This point view shared many contemporary historians. declaring Emperor direct consequence victorious end War. It found Voltaire drew more optimistic picture imperial title recognition, than it actually was. According feature Empire, created I, lies fact self-civilizing empire, bringing enlightenment neighboring «barbaric» peoples. paper, reviewing cases, arrives conclusion, works high confidence their time took worthy standing world historiography Petrine era, due wide range sources, historian’s ability critical assessment, seeking maintain certain independence description events from different perspectives, commitment truth, talent writer.The work carried out within project, publishing scientific edition Russian.