Born: 1709 (Kolomenskoye, near Moscow)
Died: 1762
Biography:
Elizabeth or Elizaveta Petrovna was a renowned Empress of Russia who reigned from 1741 until her death in 1762. She is widely loved and respected as one of the most popular Russian monarchs due to her compassionate rule, progressive policies, and significant contributions to the country. Elizabeth’s reign is characterized by her refusal to execute a single person, extensive construction projects, and strong opposition to Prussian policies.
Born on 29 December 1709 (O.S.) in Kolomenskoye, near Moscow, Elizabeth was the second-eldest daughter of Tsar Peter the Great and Catherine. Growing up during a period of political turmoil and uncertain successors, she witnessed the chaotic reigns of her father’s descendants following the death of her half-brother Alexei in 1718. The throne initially passed to her mother, Catherine I of Russia, and later to her nephew Peter II. However, after Peter II’s death in 1730, Elizabeth’s first cousin Anna took over the reins of power.
After a brief rule by Anna’s infant great-nephew, Ivan VI, Elizabeth seized the throne with the support of the military. She declared her own nephew, the future Peter III, as her heir. Elizabeth was deeply influenced by the principles and policies of her father, Peter the Great, and continued his legacy during her reign. She ushered in a remarkable Age of Enlightenment in Russia, implementing domestic policies that empowered the nobility in local government and reduced their terms of service to the state.
One of Elizabeth’s significant contributions to Russian society was her support for education and culture. She played an instrumental role in the establishment of the University of Moscow, the highest-ranking educational institution in Russia, under the guidance of Mikhail Lomonosov. Her court became a center of culture and enlightenment, rivaling those of other European nations. Elizabeth’s patronage also extended to the arts, with Ivan Shuvalov founding the Imperial Academy of Arts.
Elizabeth’s reign was characterized by extensive architectural projects, bringing a new era of grandeur and magnificence to Russia. She modernized the country’s roads, but her most impressive projects were orchestrated by her favorite architect, Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Under Elizabeth’s patronage, Rastrelli designed and constructed iconic structures such as the Winter Palace and the Smolny Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. These architectural marvels continue to stand as testaments to Elizabeth’s reign.
During her time as Empress, Elizabeth led Russia through two major European conflicts: the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) and the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763). She navigated these challenges alongside her trusted diplomat, Aleksey Bestuzhev-Ryumin. They resolved the War of Austrian Succession through an alliance with Austria and France, but inadvertently became involved in the Seven Years’ War. Russian troops achieved several victories against Prussia, including a brief occupation of Berlin. However, just as Frederick the Great was considering surrender in January 1762, Elizabeth passed away, marking the end of her reign.
With her death, Elizabeth became the last agnatic member of the House of Romanov to rule over the Russian Empire. Her legacy endures through her significant contributions to Russian society and culture. Elizabeth of Russia remains an iconic figure in history, not only for her accomplishments as a monarch but also for her unwavering commitment to justice, progress, and the wellbeing of her people.