Peter III of Russia remains a controversial figure in Russian history, largely remembered for his brief and unpopular reign. Ascending to the throne in January 1762, Peter III’s rule lasted barely six months before he was overthrown and assassinated. Born Karl Peter Ulrich of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp, on February 21, 1728, in Kiel, Germany, his lineage connected him to both the Holstein-Gottorp and Romanov dynasties. His life and tragically short time as Peter 3 Russia‘s emperor are marked by political missteps and personal failings that ultimately led to his demise.
From German Duke to Russian Heir
Peter’s path to the Russian throne was paved by his maternal ties to the Romanovs. His mother, Anna Petrovna, was the daughter of Peter the Great. Following Empress Elizabeth of Russia’s ascension to power in 1741, she brought her nephew, Karl Peter Ulrich, to Russia. He was renamed Peter, christened into the Russian Orthodox Church in 1742, and officially declared the heir to the Russian throne. This move was strategic for Empress Elizabeth, who remained unmarried and childless, seeking to secure the Romanov dynasty’s future. Young Peter, or Pyotr Fyodorovich as he became known in Russia, was thrust into a world vastly different from his German upbringing.
In 1745, a significant step in solidifying his position was his marriage to Sophie Frederike Auguste of Anhalt-Zerbst, a German princess who would later be known to history as Catherine the Great. Upon their marriage, Sophie converted to Russian Orthodoxy and took the name Catherine (Yekaterina Alekseyevna). However, the marriage was far from harmonious. Peter and Catherine were fundamentally incompatible, both in personality and political views, setting the stage for future conflict and Catherine’s eventual rise to power.
A Reign Marked by Unpopularity and Missteps
When Empress Elizabeth died in January 1762, Peter III became Emperor of Russia. His reign, though brief, was impactful due to his radical policy shifts and personal eccentricities that rapidly alienated key factions within Russian society. One of his most consequential and unpopular decisions was his abrupt reversal of Russia’s foreign policy regarding the Seven Years’ War.
Russia had been allied against Prussia, but Peter, an ardent admirer of Prussian King Frederick the Great, swiftly made peace with Prussia. This withdrawal from the Seven Years’ War and subsequent alliance with Prussia were seen as a betrayal of Russian national interests and sacrifices made during the war. Furthermore, Peter’s eagerness to involve Russia in a war against Denmark to support his native Holstein’s claims over Schleswig further fueled discontent among the Russian military and political elite. His pro-Prussian stance was perceived as detrimental to Russia’s standing in Europe.
Domestically, Peter III enacted some reforms, such as relieving the gentry of mandatory state service in 1762. While seemingly progressive, even this act did little to garner him support. His attempts to reform the Russian Orthodox Church along Lutheran lines deeply offended the clergy and devout populace. His changes to the Imperial Guard, making service more stringent and threatening disbandment, turned this powerful group against him. These actions, coupled with his perceived mental instability and open disdain for Russian customs, rapidly eroded his base of support.
Overthrow and Tragic End
By the summer of 1762, Peter III had managed to alienate almost every significant power group in Russia: the military, the church, and the nobility. His wife, Catherine, a shrewd and politically astute woman, saw an opportunity in his growing unpopularity. Fearing Peter’s plans to divorce her, Catherine conspired with her lover, Grigory Orlov, and other influential figures, particularly within the Imperial Guard, to seize power.
On July 9, 1762, Catherine, backed by the Imperial Guard, declared herself Empress Catherine II. Peter III, at his residence in Oranienbaum, was caught completely by surprise. Faced with overwhelming opposition, he abdicated the throne the following day, July 10. Instead of being allowed to live in exile, Peter was arrested and taken to Ropsha, under the custody of Aleksey Grigoryevich Orlov. There, on July 18, 1762, just days after his abdication, Peter III died under mysterious circumstances, widely believed to have been assassinated.
Peter 3 Russia: A Legacy of Instability
The reign of Peter 3 Russia, though extremely short, is a significant turning point in Russian history. His policies, particularly his pro-Prussian stance and abrupt withdrawal from the Seven Years’ War, had lasting repercussions on Russia’s foreign relations. His domestic reforms, while intended to modernize, were poorly received and served to further destabilize his rule. Ultimately, Peter III’s reign underscores the importance of political acumen and popular support for a ruler, especially in a powerful empire like Russia. His tragic end paved the way for Catherine the Great’s long and impactful reign, forever overshadowing the brief and tumultuous time of Peter III.
