Imperial Russia has it's beginning as an entire state in the late 17th century when Peter the Great was crowned Tsar of the Empire of Russia. What followed was a turbulent time for Europe and the increasing size, wealth and power of Imperial Russia. It's territorial claims led to many wars with the west and a few with the far east, but this did not stop the Empires rise to the top. Russia also experienced expansion in Transcaucasia defeating the United tribes of Turks, Georgians and Kurds. Imperial Russia's expansion and power was somewhat halted with Napoleons invasion of Russia in 1812. However Russian partisans helped by terrible winter drove the invincible armies of France out. Russia was at the height of it's power.