era of palace revolutions called the period of Russian history that followed the death of Peter I, when the transfer of power in the state was carried out in violation of the law.
term author is historian VOKlyuchevskii.He also believes that the era of palace coups began in 1725 with the death of Peter the Great and ended in 1762 after the reign of Catherine II.However, there is a view that these troubled times back in 1801 in connection with the murder of Paul I. Some historians are signs of this era in the revolt of the Decembrists.
main causes of the yard coups - the lack of clear rules of succession, the lack of a legal political activities;unresolved contradiction between the monarchical power, the ruling class and nobility.
Let us consider these factors.
In 1722 Peter I issued a "Charter of Succession", on the basis of which, the throne would pass to wide range of people, not only to the direct heir of the monarch.Yet for some time before the death of the king arose and the first split.The political grouping, headed by Apraksin, insisted on enthronement grandson of Peter I with the appointment of a regent wife of the monarch, Catherine Alexeyevna.
other groups, led by Prince Menshikov, was going to make the autocratic empress Catherine.As a result of artful intrigue and intervention army Ekaterina A. was elevated to the throne in 1725.After her death in 1727 the question of power has arisen again.See Peter II was transferred in a series of intrigues.
Reasons of palace coups were not based on the desire of bidders to change the existing political system or to carry out any reforms.A characteristic feature of the era was a battle for power, they say, "in its purest form."All the warring factions was aimed only at gaining power and personal wealth.
Reasons of palace coups since 1727 have been associated with the overthrow of Menshikov, who actually ruled the country for 3 years.As an experienced and cunning diplomat, he still made a major mistake as a result of blinding power.Spoil relations with its allies, it is rapidly lost everything, what for so long sought.Actual power passes to Dolgoruky and Golitsyn.Again, there is a need to look for heir to the throne, as Peter II died of smallpox.
further reason palace coups were supplemented by the signing of the condition, which limited the power of who ascended the throne of Peter's niece - Courland Anna (Anna Ivanovna).She signed the document by giving up some powers in favor of the Privy Council.The time of her reign, so was due to the fierce struggle for power.
After Courland Anna publicly severed condition, Dolgoruky family was virtually wiped out, and fight for supremacy came new faces, including a favorite of the Empress Biron, BKMunnich and APVolyn.
Reasons of palace revolutions in Russia have been linked not only to the political situation, but with the personalities of people close to the monarch.In some cases, the governor was merely a figurehead, but in reality the country was ruled by nobles.
Since the death of Peter I of Russia in 1762 had five rulers.Most coups took place with the participation of the Guard.Some researchers have compared this period in the history of Russia from the late Roman Empire, when so often there was a change of power, and the army participated in coups.
So we looked at the palace coups, the causes of which included the Charter of succession, remaining after the reign of Peter I, as well as in the struggle for power between the noble families belonging to the ruling elite.
Authorities did not stay long in the same hands, the rulers in Russia succeeded each other very rapidly.End of an era came only with the accession of Catherine the Great, who was able to restore order in the state.
