The Romanov Rulers Part 8: Peter II

Описание: With the death of Catherine I there was only one male option for the throne- Peter Alexievich the grandson of Peter the Great and son of tsarevich Alexie from Peter’s first marriage. Only eleven years old, Peter the II’s reign began under the control of Alexander Menshikov as it had with Catherine I.

But, Menshikov became ill and Peter rebelled. Peter stripped Menshikov of his rank and exiled him to Siberia. Despite being quick witted, Peter had little desire to rule. The Supreme Privy Council ineffectively took over most matters and the administration floundered.

Of utmost importance was the succession. After Peter, there were no heirs through the male bloodline. Peter was a bit in love with his aunt, Elizabeth, but he couldn’t marry his aunt. Instead he became engaged to Ekaterina Dologorukova, a member of a social climbing family. The date of their marriage was the 30th of January 1730, but Peter fell dangerously ill and died on his wedding date.

The remaining options for succession were now all through the female line. The daughters of Peter the Great, Anna and Elizabeth, were marred by being born outside of wedlock. The Council would now look to the daughters of Ivan V, Peter the Great’s brother and co-tsar.


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