Elizabeth of Russia

Elizabeth Petrovna was empress of Russia from 1741 to 1762. Her reign brought Russia into the Seven Years’ War and established Moscow University.

Peter the Great: Peter I ruled Russia from 1682 to 1725 and transformed its government, military, and foreign relations. Elizabeth was Peter’s daughter and invoked his legacy to strengthen her claim to the throne.
Elizabeth's coup of 1741: The 1741 palace coup that deposed Ivan VI and brought Elizabeth Petrovna to the Russian throne. It began her reign and secured power through a decisive intervention by the guards.
Romanov dynasty: The dynasty that ruled Russia from 1613 until the monarchy’s collapse in 1917. Elizabeth’s authority rested on her place in the ruling Romanov family.
Russian Enlightenment: An intellectual movement that adapted Enlightenment ideas within the Russian Empire, especially during the eighteenth century. Elizabeth’s university foundation helped create institutions that later sustained Russian intellectual life.
Ivan VI of Russia: Ivan VI was an infant emperor of Russia, deposed in 1741 after roughly a year on the throne. Elizabeth’s coup removed Ivan and ended the regency that ruled in his name.
Moscow University: A Russian university founded in Moscow in 1755 by imperial decree. Elizabeth’s government established it as a lasting institution of higher learning.
Catherine I of Russia: Catherine I ruled Russia from 1725 to 1727 after the death of her husband, Peter the Great. Elizabeth’s mother was the first of several rulers whose accessions followed Peter’s death.
Russian Empire: The state ruled by Russian emperors from 1721 until the monarchy’s overthrow in 1917. Her reign continued the empire’s expansion and growing involvement in European affairs.
Alexei Bestuzhev-Ryumin: Alexei Bestuzhev-Ryumin was a Russian statesman who directed foreign policy as chancellor from 1744 to 1758. He led Elizabeth’s diplomacy during Russia’s shifting alliances and entry into the Seven Years’ War.
Seven Years' War: A global conflict fought from 1756 to 1763 among shifting coalitions of European powers and their empires. Russia fought Prussia during Elizabeth’s reign, expanding her court’s military and diplomatic burdens.

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