The Era of Palace Revolutions: Russian History 1725–1762

The period following the death of Peter the Great plunged the Russian Empire into decades of political instability, marked by rapid, dramatic successions and covert coups. Understanding this crucial era of Palace Revolutions is key to grasping how the imperial state survived and evolved during the eighteenth century. By reading this course, you will develop a clear, structured understanding of the political, social, and military forces that drove these shifts in power. You will transition from being curious about the era to analyzing its key actors, causes, and long-term consequences with historical precision. What you'll learn: - Analyze the root causes of the succession crises starting in 1725 - Evaluate the pivotal role of the Imperial Guards in making and breaking monarchs - Examine the reigns and policies of key figures from Catherine I to Peter III - Understand the geopolitical impacts of these internal power struggles on Europe - Compare historical interpretations of this era using modern historiographical perspectives - Practice analyzing primary source excerpts to draw independent historical conclusions The course begins with foundational concepts of eighteenth-century Russian autocracy and succession laws before guiding you chronologically through each major coup and its aftermath. You will wrap up by exploring the legacy of this era and how it set the stage for the reign of Catherine the Great. Designed entirely for beginners and history enthusiasts, this text-based course requires no prior knowledge of Russian history. Start reading today to unlock the secrets of Russia's most turbulent imperial era.