Russian history is rich in various epochs, each of which has left its mark on the life of the country.One of the most rewarding and challenging much controversy was the reign of Peter I the Great, which ended January 25, 1725 in connection with the sudden death of the emperor.
Russia without a king?Who is right after Peter 1
In the three years before the death of the autocrat had to issue a decree, which changed the previously existing order of succession to the Throne: Now is not the heir became the eldest son, and the son, the father who decides to take such a worthy place of honor.This decision was due to the fact that the son of the king, a potential heir to the throne Prince Alexei, was accused of plotting against his own father, and as a result, condemned to death.In 1718, the prince died in the walls of the fortress.
However, before his death, Peter I did not have time to appoint a new king, leaving the country, the development of which put so much effort, without a ruler.
As a result, the next few years were marked by numerous palace coup was aimed at the seizure of power.Since there was no official appointed heir wishing to sit on the throne tried to prove that they have earned that right.
The first coup, carried out by guards wife of Peter I - by birth Martha Skavronskaia, popularly known as Ekaterina A. Mikhailov (Catherine I) - brought to power the first woman in the history of Russia.
supervised the enthronement of the future Empress all-Russian associate of the late king, Prince Alexander Danilovich Menshikov, who became the de facto ruler of the state.
Russia after Peter 1 - a special milestone in world history.The strict order and discipline that characterized the reign of the emperor in part, is now lost its former strength.
Catherine I: Who is she?
March Skavronskaya (real name Empress) was from a family of Baltic peasants.She was born April 5, 1684.Early having lost both parents, she was raised in a family of a Protestant pastor.
During the Great Northern War (between Sweden and Russia), in 1702, in March, along with other residents of the fortress Marienburg was captured by Russian troops, and then in the service of the Prince Menshikov.There are two versions of how this happened.
One version says that in March became the mistress of Count Sheremetyev - Commander of the Russian army.She saw Prince Alexander Danilovich - favorite of Peter the Great - and taking advantage of his authority, took the girl to his home.
According to another version, Marta became the managing servants Colonel Bauer, where her eyes and put Menshikov and took them to his house.And here it was noticed by Pyotr I.
rapprochement with Peter I
for 9 years in March was the mistress of the king.In 1704 she gave birth to his first child - a son of Peter and then the second son - Paul.However, the two boys were killed.
education of the future empress takes sister to Peter I - Natalia Alekseevna, train Martha to read and write.And in 1705, was baptized in the Orthodox girl named Catherine Alekseevna Mihailova.In 1708 and 1709 respectively are born daughter of Catherine of Peter I - Anna and Elizabeth (later took the throne under the name of Elizabeth).
Finally in 1712 the church of St. John Dalmitskogo the wedding with Peter I - Ekaterina became a full member of the royal family.1724 was marked by a solemn coronation Martha Skavronskaia in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow.She received the crown from the hands of the emperor.
Who and when the rules in Russia
After the death of Peter 1 Russia fully recognize what is a country without a powerful ruler.Since Prince Menshikov won the favor of the king, and later helped Catherine I stand at the head of the state, the question of who rules after Peter 1, the correct answer will be - Prince Alexander Danilovich, actively participate in the life of the country and to take the most important decisions.However, the reign of the Empress, despite such strong support, did not last long - until May 1727.
During his stay on the throne of Catherine I, an important role in the policy of Russia at that time played the Supreme Privy Council, created before the ascent to the throne of Empress.It included such notables and prominent in the Russian Empire of the time people like Prince Alexander Menshikov (who led this body), Dmitry Golitsyn, Fyodor Apraksin, Petr Tolstoy.
At first the reign of Catherine I were reduced taxes and pardoned many condemned to exile and confinement in prison.Similar changes were caused by the fear of riots because of rising prices, which invariably would lead to discontent among the citizens.
were also canceled or modified reforms carried out by Peter:
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a less prominent role in the political life of the country began to play the Senate;
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magistrates were replaced by local authorities;
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for improvement troops organized a special commission consisting of the leaders and generals.
Innovations Catherine I. Domestic and foreign policy
order who ruled after Peter 1 (referring to his wife), it was extremely difficult to beat the king-reformer in multifaceted policy.From the innovations worth noting the creation of the Academy of Sciences and the organization of the expedition led by the famous explorer Vitus Bering Kamchatka.
foreign policy in general, Catherine I hold the view of her husband: she supported the claim Holstein Duke Carl Friedrich (comes to her in-law) to Schleswig.This led to strained relations with Britain and Denmark.The result of the confrontation was Russia's accession to the Vienna Union (which included Spain, Prussia and Austria) in 1726.
Russia after Peter 1 acquired a significant influence in Kurland.It was so great that Prince Menshikov planned to be at the head of the Duchy, but the locals have revealed dissatisfaction about this.
Due to the foreign policy of Catherine I and Alexander Danilovich (that's who ruled Russia after the death of Peter 1 in fact), the empire could seize the Shirvan region (having achieved concessions on this issue from Persia and Turkey).Also, thanks to Prince Raguzinsky were established friendly relations with China.
End of the reign of Empress
Power Catherine I came to an end in May 1727, when the Empress died in the 44-year life of the pulmonary disease.They buried her in the fortress.
Before his death, Catherine wanted to make her daughter Empress Elizabeth, however, once again listened Menshikov and designated heir and grandson of Russian tsar - Peter II Alexeyevich, who at the time of accession to the throne was 11 years old.
Regent was none other than Prince Alexander Danilovich (this fact once again proves, who ruled after Peter 1 in Russia).Menshikov soon married the newly made king with his daughter Maria, thus further strengthening the influence of the courtly and public life.
However, the power of the Prince Alexander Danilovich did not last long after the death of Peter II, he was accused of conspiracy and died in exile.
Russia after Peter the Great - this is a totally different state, where the first place is not out reform and transformation, and the struggle for the throne and attempts to prove the superiority of some classes over others.
