Terrible tsarinas

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Terrible Tsarinas nobody thought of protesting. Nor of crying, for that matter.

Catherine’s reign, which had lasted only two years and two months, left the majority of her subjects indifferent or perplexed.

Should one regret or be pleased at her demise?

On May 8, 1727, Grand Duke Peter Alexeyevich was proclaimed emperor. The Secretary of the imperial cabinet, Makarov, announced the event to the courtiers and the dignitaries assembled at the palace. The terms of the proclamation, concocted with diabolic skill under Menshikov’s leadership, linked the concept of choosing the sovereign (instituted by Peter the Great) with that of heredity, in conformity with the Muscovite tradition.

“According to the will of Her Majesty, the late Empress,” Makarov read in a solemn voice, “a new emperor has been chosen, in the person of an heir6 to the throne: His Highness the Grand Duke Peter Alexeyevich.” Listening to this proclamation, Menshikov exulted internally. His success was a miracle. Not only was his daughter virtually empress of Russia, but the Supreme Privy Council, which would exercise the role of regent until the majority of Peter II (who was as yet just 12 years old), was still entirely in his hands, as Serene Prince. That left him a good five years to bring the country to heel. He had no adversaries anymore; only subjects.

Apparently, it was no longer necessary to be a Romanov in order to rule.

Ready to make any necessary compromise with the new power, Duke Charles Frederick of Holstein promised to keep quiet provided that, the moment Peter II reached the fateful age of 17, Anna and Elizabeth would receive two million rubles to be divided, as compensation. Moreover, Menshikov, who was having a good day, assured him that he would make every effort to support Charles Frederick’s claims, as he was still stuck on the idea of retrieving his hereditary lands and would even like - why not? - to exercise his rights to the crown of Sweden. It was clear, now,