Era of Palace Revolutions: Russian History 1725–1762

The decades following the death of Peter the Great dramatically transformed imperial Russian governance and the nature of state power. Understanding the Era of Palace Revolutions is essential for anyone studying the political dynamics, court factions, and institutional shifts of 18th-century Europe. This course provides a structured analysis of the crisis of monarchical succession and the political forces that shaped the empire. In this foundational text-based course, you will build a solid understanding of how elite military units, court nobles, and foreign diplomacy influenced imperial power. You will read detailed explanations of key historical events, key figures, and broader socioeconomic changes that occurred between 1725 and 1762. What you'll learn: - Understand foundational concepts, key terminology, and the legacy of Peter the Great's succession law. - Analyze the political role of elite imperial guard regiments in decisive court coups. - Trace the reign and policies of monarchs from Catherine I through Elizabeth Petrovna and Peter III. - Examine administrative reforms, the expansion of noble privileges, and state institutions like the Supreme Privy Council. - Evaluate primary written sources and modern historiographical interpretations of succession struggles. The course begins with foundational terminology and the structural state of the Russian Empire in 1725 before progressing chronologically through each major succession event and political crisis. Designed specifically for beginners and history enthusiasts, this program requires no prior background in imperial history. Start reading today to build a thorough understanding of this pivotal era.