The epoch of palace coups, 1725–1762 key terms

Service State

A bureaucratic system established by Peter the Great that emphasized merit over noble birth in government appointments.

Holy Synod

The governing body of the Russian Orthodox Church established by Peter the Great to bring the Church under state control.

Palace Coup

A sudden overthrow of a government, typically occurring within the royal court, often involving military support.

Supreme State Council

An advisory body created by Peter the Great to assist in governance, which became involved in the political struggles of the 18th century.

Palace Coup

A sudden and decisive action in which a group seizes power within a palace, often involving the overthrow of a monarch.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Nobility

The social class that held privileges and power, often owning large estates and controlling serfs.

Reform

Changes made to improve a system, often in response to social unrest or political instability.

Intervention

The act of becoming involved in a situation to alter the outcome, particularly in foreign affairs.

Geopolitics

The study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations.

Absolutism

A political system in which a single ruler holds absolute power, often justified by divine right.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.