Elizabeth of Russia (b. 1709)

Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: A Glimpse into Russia's Golden Age and Enlightenment

Empress Elizabeth Petrovna (Russian: Елизаве́та (Елисаве́та) Петро́вна), born on 29 December 1709 (Old Style: 18 December) and passing on 5 January 1762 (Old Style: 25 December 1761), reigned as the Empress of All Russia from 1741 until her death. Often referred to simply as Yelisaveta or Elizaveta, she remains one of the most celebrated and beloved Russian monarchs, a testament to her unique and impactful rule. Her enduring popularity stems from several key aspects of her reign: her steadfast commitment against capital punishment, her numerous grandiose construction projects that reshaped Russia's architectural landscape, and her resolute opposition to the burgeoning power of Prussian policies in Europe.

The Tumultuous Path to the Throne: Navigating the Age of Palace Coups

As the second-eldest daughter of the formidable Tsar Peter the Great (who reigned from 1682 to 1725), Elizabeth’s early life was marked by the profound political instability that followed her father's death. This period, often termed the "Age of Palace Coups," saw a succession of rulers who struggled to maintain firm control over the vast Russian Empire. The throne first passed to her mother, Catherine I (1725–1727), a former peasant who became Peter's second wife and Empress. Following Catherine's brief reign, Elizabeth's young nephew, Peter II, ascended but died prematurely in 1730 without issue. The crown then devolved to Elizabeth's first cousin, Anna Ioannovna, Duchess of Courland, who reigned as Empress Anna (1730–1740). After Anna's rule, her infant great-nephew, Ivan VI, was proclaimed emperor under the regency of his mother, Anna Leopoldovna. However, this period of regency was met with discontent among the Russian elite and common people alike. Seizing this opportunity in 1741, Elizabeth, with the crucial and unwavering support of the Imperial Guard, particularly the Preobrazhensky Regiment, executed a swift and nearly bloodless coup d'état. She proclaimed herself Empress, asserting her legitimate claim as the direct daughter of Peter the Great, and subsequently named her own nephew, the future Peter III, as her heir, thus securing the succession within the Romanov line.

A Flourishing Era: Domestic Policies and the Russian Enlightenment

Empress Elizabeth's reign is widely regarded as a pivotal period, often characterized as a remarkable "Age of Enlightenment" in Russia. She meticulously continued many of the modernization and Westernization policies initiated by her father, Peter the Great, but with a distinct emphasis on culture, arts, and education, fostering an environment of intellectual and artistic flourishing.

Nobility and Local Governance:

Her domestic policies significantly enhanced the standing of the Russian nobility. By reducing their mandatory terms of service to the state, Elizabeth allowed them greater freedom to manage their estates and cultivate a distinct aristocratic culture. This shift contributed to what is sometimes referred to as the "Golden Age of the Russian Nobility," granting them increased dominance in local government and regional affairs.

Advancements in Education and Science:

A passionate advocate for knowledge, Elizabeth strongly encouraged the polymath Mikhail Lomonosov, a true luminary of the Russian Enlightenment, in his efforts to establish the Imperial Moscow University in 1755. This institution quickly became and remains the highest-ranking and most prestigious educational establishment in Russia, a cornerstone of its intellectual development. Her patronage extended further with the foundation of the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg in 1757, spearheaded by her trusted advisor Ivan Shuvalov. This academy was instrumental in nurturing native Russian artistic talent and establishing a national artistic tradition.

Architectural Grandeur and Urban Development:

Elizabeth’s court was renowned as one of the most magnificent and opulent in all of Europe, particularly celebrated for its lavish architectural endeavors. She invested heavily in modernizing Russia's road network, but her most enduring legacy lies in the breathtaking Baroque masterpieces commissioned from her favorite architect, the brilliant Italian Bartolomeo Rastrelli. These grandiose projects profoundly transformed the urban landscape of Saint Petersburg and its environs. Key examples include the expansion and refinement of the iconic Peterhof Palace, designed as the grand summer residence and a symbolic counterpart to Versailles. The majestic Winter Palace, the primary official residence of the Russian monarchs, and the ethereal Smolny Cathedral in Saint Petersburg stand as chief monuments of her reign, embodying the distinctive "Elizabethan Baroque" style characterized by its monumental scale, vibrant colors, and intricate ornamentation.

Foreign Affairs: Russia as a European Power Broker

Under Empress Elizabeth’s astute leadership, the Russian Empire played a decisive role in the two most significant European conflicts of her era: the War of Austrian Succession (1740–1748) and the Seven Years' War (1756–1763).

The War of Austrian Succession:

In the War of Austrian Succession, triggered by the dispute over Maria Theresa's succession to the Habsburg throne, Elizabeth and her highly influential diplomat Aleksey Bestuzhev-Ryumin adeptly navigated complex European alliances. Russia's strategic intervention, characterized by forming an alliance with Austria and France, contributed to the resolution of the conflict, solidifying Russia's emerging status as a crucial player in the European balance of power.

The Seven Years' War and the "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg":

While the previous war established Russia's diplomatic weight, it indirectly set the stage for the more devastating Seven Years' War, a global conflict primarily fought between the Anglo-Prussian alliance and the Franco-Austrian-Russian coalition. Empress Elizabeth held a deep, personal animosity towards Frederick II (Frederick the Great) of Prussia, viewing his aggressive expansionist policies as a direct threat to Russian interests. Consequently, Russian troops, demonstrating their formidable military prowess, achieved several decisive victories against the Prussian forces, notably at Gross-Jägersdorf (1757) and Kunersdorf (1759), and even briefly occupied Berlin in 1760. By January 1762, Frederick the Great faced imminent defeat and was on the verge of surrendering, which would have irrevocably altered the European map. However, at this critical juncture, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna unexpectedly died. Her death led to one of history's most dramatic turnarounds, famously dubbed the "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg" by Frederick himself. Her successor, Peter III, a fervent admirer of Frederick, immediately reversed Russia's alliances, withdrew from the war, and returned all conquered territories to Prussia, thereby saving Frederick's kingdom from collapse.

Empress Elizabeth Petrovna was the last agnatic (through the male line) member of the illustrious House of Romanov to reign over the Russian Empire. Her legacy is one of cultural splendor, architectural magnificence, and the firm establishment of Russia as a dominant force in European politics, a role that continued to define the empire for centuries to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Empress Elizabeth Petrovna

Who was Empress Elizabeth Petrovna?

Empress Elizabeth Petrovna was the daughter of Peter the Great who reigned as Empress of Russia from 1741 to 1762. She is celebrated for her cultural patronage, the flourishing of the arts and sciences during her rule, and her unique policy of not executing anyone during her reign.

What were Elizabeth Petrovna's major contributions to Russia?

Her key contributions include fostering a period of enlightenment and cultural growth, notably through the founding of Moscow University and the Imperial Academy of Arts. She also oversaw extensive Baroque architectural projects by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, such as the Winter Palace and Smolny Cathedral, and enhanced the status of the Russian nobility.

How did Elizabeth Petrovna come to power?

Elizabeth seized the throne in 1741 through a largely bloodless coup d'état, supported by the Imperial Guard. This occurred after a period of political instability and contested successions following her father Peter the Great's death.

What was the "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg" and how did Elizabeth Petrovna's death relate to it?

The "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg" refers to the unexpected turn of events during the Seven Years' War where Prussia, on the brink of defeat by Russia, Austria, and France, was saved when Empress Elizabeth died in January 1762. Her successor, Peter III, admired Frederick the Great and immediately withdrew Russia from the war, effectively saving Prussia.

Was Elizabeth Petrovna the last Romanov monarch?

Elizabeth Petrovna was the last direct, agnatic (male-line) descendant of the House of Romanov to reign. Her successor, Peter III, was a Romanov by his mother's side (Anna Petrovna, Elizabeth's sister) but was technically part of the House of Holstein-Gottorp, although the dynasty continued to be known as Romanov.