The Reign of Peter II In the 18th century, the Empire lived under inertia with constant changes in rulers. The young Peter II became emperor after his father's death and was influenced by Alexander Menshikov. However, he fell ill with smallpox before his wedding to Ekaterina Dolgorukova.
"Empress" Anna Ioannovna "Empress" Anna Ioannovna took power after Peter II's death but faced opposition due to the conditions set by nobles. She tore up these conditions and asserted her authority as Empress.
Oligarchy replaces Autocracy With Anna Ioannovna as Empress, Russia shifted from autocracy to oligarchy as she gathered support from guards and higher nobility against the Higher Secret Council.
Anna Ioannovna's Reign and Lifestyle After ascending the throne, Anna Ioannovna ordered to take valuables from the treasury confiscated from Menshikov. She built two new palaces and lived openly with her favorite, Ernst Biron. Her daily routine included drinking coffee, working in the morning, riding horses with Biron, having dinner with him and his family, napping for an hour, and spending the rest of the day on various entertainments.
Entertainments at Anna Ioannovna's Palace "The Italian performances were staged;" ballet school opened; jesters entertained courtiers; ice palace parties were held. The Empress loved extravagant events like masquerades with illumination and fireworks but didn't tolerate drinking due to her late husband's death from alcohol intoxication.
Political Affairs under Anna Ioannova Anna established a Cabinet of Ministers but was not actively involved in state affairs. Duke Biron interfered heavily in government work while Andrei Ostermann became a key figure as "grey cardinal." Any opposition against Biron led to severe consequences such as execution or exile.
Elizabeth's Rise to Power "Do you remember whose daughter I am? Are you ready to die for me?" Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great, rallied support from the Preobrazhenskiy Regiment and stormed the Winter Palace. With their help, she overthrew Anna Leopoldovna and took Ivan Antonovitch into her care.
The Fate of Baby Emperor Ioann VI Antonovitch Ivan Antonovitch spent his life in isolation as a prisoner under different names. At age 24, he died during an attempted rescue by Ensign Myrovitch. His parents were also kept under guard in Kholmogory to prevent any attempts at restoring their kin on the throne.
Elizabeth Petrovna: Empress and Reformer As Empress, Elizabeth aimed to restore her father's rules and state institutions. She dissolved the Cabinet of Ministers but closely monitored advisors' power so they wouldn't impose their opinions on her decisions. Known for extravagant parties and love for beauty; she signed orders abolishing death penalties while promoting internal trade development.