Russian Empire
Though the Empire was only officially proclaimed by Tsar Peter I following the Treaty of Nystad (1721), some historians would argue that it was truly born either when Ivan III of Russia conquered Veliky Novgorod in 1478, or when Ivan the Terrible conquered the Khanate of Kazan in 1552. According to another point of view, the term "Tsardom", which was used after the coronation of Ivan IV in 1547, was already a contemporary Russian word for empire.
Deluge (history)
One of the most notable effects of the devastating Deluge was the subsequent weakening of Poland's power. (Russia also took part in the Deluge and was second only to Sweden in the level of destruction caused.) With the entire Polish nation destroyed by the Swedes and Russians, Russia was able to rise and founded the later Russian Empire in early 18th century. The foundation of Russian Empire would play a role in leading to the Partitions of Poland in the later half of the 18th century.