The epoch of palace coups, 1725–1762 revision notes

Overview

The epoch of palace coups from 1725 to 1762 was a transformative period in Russian history characterized by a series of power struggles and the influence of key figures. Following the death of Peter the Great, the legacy of his reforms created a complex political landscape.

Key Themes

The Legacy of Peter the Great

• Service State: Peter's reforms established a bureaucratic state reliant on the nobility and serfs, which shaped governance.
• Role of the Church: The Orthodox Church's influence was both a stabilizing force and a source of conflict.
• Gentry and Serfdom: The gentry's power grew, but so did serfdom, leading to social tensions.
• International Affairs: Russia's involvement in European politics began to expand, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Disputed Successions

• The struggle for power among various factions, including the Supreme State Council and the Preobrazhensky Regiment, led to instability and frequent changes in leadership.

Tsarina Elizabeth

• Elizabeth's accession marked a shift towards a more Westernized court. Her education and reforms aimed to modernize Russia, though challenges remained in taxation and governance.

Social Developments

• The redefinition of the Service State continued, with increasing unrest among serfs reflecting broader social issues.

Foreign Affairs

• Russia's interventions in Poland and its failures in securing the Crimea highlighted the challenges of foreign policy during this period, culminating in involvement in the Seven Years War.

Russia by 1762

• By the end of this period, the Petrine reforms had a lasting impact, but the accession of Catherine the Great would bring further changes and challenges.