Births on February 7

Empress Anna of Russia (d. 1740)

Anna Ioannovna, also known by her Russified name Anna Ivanovna or anglicized as Anne, was a pivotal figure in 18th-century Russian history. Born on 7 February 1693 (28 January 1693, Old Style) and passing away on 28 October 1740 (17 October 1740, Old Style), she was the daughter of Tsar Ivan V and the niece of Peter the Great. Her life journey saw her transition from a regent in a European duchy to the autocratic Empress of Russia, a period often characterized by both continuity with Peter's reforms and significant internal controversies.

Early Life and Regency in Courland

Anna's early life was marked by her familial connection to the Romanov dynasty. As the daughter of Ivan V, Peter the Great's co-ruler, she held a strong claim to the Russian throne. In 1711, she married Frederick William, Duke of Courland, a duchy located in present-day Latvia. Tragically, her husband died shortly after their marriage, leaving Anna as the widowed Duchess. Despite this personal loss, she remained in Courland, where she served as regent from 1711 until 1730. This period allowed her to gain valuable experience in governance and international relations, albeit within the sphere of Russian influence.

Accession to the Russian Throne: A Struggle for Autocracy

In 1730, the death of Emperor Peter II, the last male heir of Peter the Great, plunged Russia into a succession crisis. The Supreme Privy Council, a powerful body of aristocrats, invited Anna to ascend the throne. However, their invitation came with "Conditions" – an attempt to significantly limit the monarch's autocratic powers and effectively create a constitutional monarchy. These conditions aimed to place legislative, financial, and military control in the hands of the Council. Upon her arrival in Moscow, Anna initially accepted these terms. Yet, sensing the widespread discontent among the broader nobility who feared the Council's unchecked power, and with the support of the Imperial Guard, she dramatically renounced the "Conditions" on 8 March 1730. This decisive act reasserted the principle of unlimited autocracy in Russia, a cornerstone of Peter the Great's vision.

Empress of Russia (1730-1740): Continuation and Controversy

Anna Ioannovna's decade-long reign as Empress of Russia from 1730 to 1740 was largely shaped by the enduring legacy of her illustrious uncle, Peter the Great. Her administration continued many of his transformative initiatives, particularly in the areas of state-building, military development, and the promotion of culture and science.

Continuing Peter the Great's Legacy

• Lavish Building Projects in St. Petersburg: Anna continued Peter's ambitious architectural endeavors in St. Petersburg, solidifying its status as the imperial capital. Notable projects included significant extensions to the Winter Palace and other grand constructions that further transformed the city into a European-style metropolis. This reinforced the shift away from the old Muscovy traditions towards a more Europeanized court.
• Funding the Russian Academy of Science: She remained a staunch patron of the Russian Academy of Sciences, founded by Peter the Great. Under her reign, the Academy flourished, attracting prominent scholars and contributing significantly to scientific and cultural advancements within the empire. This commitment underscored the importance of enlightenment ideals in Russia's development.
• Measures Favoring the Nobility: While Peter the Great had often imposed harsh service requirements on the nobility, Anna's reign saw measures designed to alleviate some burdens and secure their loyalty.
  • Repeal of Primogeniture Law (1730): One of her immediate acts was the repeal of Peter the Great's Law of Single Inheritance (primogeniture). This law, introduced in 1714, dictated that landed estates could only be inherited by one son, often leading to the impoverishment of younger noblemen. Its repeal was widely welcomed by the gentry, allowing for the division of estates among all sons and providing greater economic security for noble families.
  • Establishment of the Gentry Cadet Corps (1731): To provide a structured and elite education for the sons of the nobility, Anna established the Corps of Cadets, a military academy that combined general education with military training. This institution became crucial for preparing future military and civil servants from the noble class, ensuring a well-trained leadership for the state.
  • Reduction of Compulsory Service: Though often overlooked, Anna's reign also saw steps towards reducing the obligatory lifelong service for the nobility. In 1736, a decree allowed one son from each noble family to remain at home to manage the estate, and later legislation began to pave the way for a fixed term of service, culminating in the 25-year service term.

The "Bironovshchina" and the "Dark Era" Perception

Despite these continuities with Peter's reforms, Anna's reign is frequently referred to in Russian historiography as a "dark era," or the "Bironovshchina." This perception is largely attributed to the immense influence wielded by her favorite, Ernst Johann von Biron, a Baltic German nobleman. Biron, along with other German courtiers and officials, rose to positions of power and prominence, often at the expense of established Russian aristocratic families. This period was characterized by accusations of:

• Excessive German Influence: A perceived dominance of foreign advisors and officials in crucial state affairs.
• Cruelty and Repression: The notorious Secret Chancellery, a political police force, became active, suppressing dissent with considerable harshness. Estimates suggest thousands were exiled to Siberia or subjected to torture.
• Corruption and Extravagance: The lavish court life and perceived self-enrichment of Biron and his associates fueled resentment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Empress Anna Ioannovna

Who was Anna Ioannovna's most influential advisor?

Her most influential advisor was Ernst Johann von Biron, a Baltic German nobleman, whose significant power and perceived abuses led to the term "Bironovshchina" to describe this period in Russian history.

How did Anna Ioannovna become Empress of Russia?

She was invited to the throne by the Supreme Privy Council after the death of Emperor Peter II in 1730. She initially accepted "Conditions" that would limit her power but later, with the support of the nobility and the Guards, rejected them to reclaim autocratic rule.

What were some of Anna Ioannovna's key reforms regarding the nobility?

Key reforms included the repeal of Peter the Great's primogeniture law in 1730, which greatly benefited noble families by allowing them to divide estates, and the establishment of the Gentry Cadet Corps in 1731, providing specialized education for noble sons. Her reign also saw steps towards reducing compulsory lifelong service for the nobility.

Why is Anna Ioannovna's reign sometimes referred to as a "dark era" in Russia?

This perception stems from the extensive influence of her favorite, Ernst Johann von Biron, and other German courtiers, leading to accusations of foreign dominance, severe political repression, and perceived corruption and cruelty, contrasting with the era of Peter the Great.