The Era of Palace Coups in Russia: Understanding 18th-Century Power Shifts

The 18th century in Russia was marked by extreme political volatility after Peter the Great. Frequent, often violent, changes in leadership shaped the future of the Russian Empire. This course provides a foundational understanding of the period known as the Era of Palace Coups, detailing the key events, the powerful individuals involved, and the lasting impact of instability on the Russian state. You will learn to identify the structural weaknesses that allowed the military and court factions to determine the succession. What you'll learn: * Understand the political vacuum and structural conditions that enabled the series of coups following Peter the Great's death. * Analyze the critical roles played by the Imperial Guard, court favorites, and foreign policy in determining the succession. * Trace the reigns of key figures, including Anna Ioannovna, Elizabeth Petrovna, Peter III, and the eventual accession of Catherine the Great. * Practice interpreting primary source accounts to critically evaluate historical narratives surrounding the coups and conspiracies. * Identify the social and economic reforms introduced by the rulers of this period and their influence on the Russian nobility and peasantry. The course begins by defining the scope and terminology of the Palace Coups before moving chronologically through the key reigns and analyzing the major power struggles. Practical exercises guide you in applying critical thinking to complex historical events. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in Russian history or political science. No prior knowledge of the 18th century is required. Start reading today to unlock the secrets of Imperial Russian power struggles.