Peter Iii Of Russia, born on February 21, 1728, in Kiel, Holstein-Gottorp, Germany, remains a figure of debate in Russian history. His reign as Emperor of Russia was remarkably brief, lasting only from January 5 to July 9, 1762. This tumultuous period, though short, was marked by significant policy shifts and ultimately culminated in his overthrow and death.
Born Karl Peter Ulrich of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp, Peter’s lineage connected him to both the Holstein-Gottorp dynasty and the Russian Romanovs. His mother, Anna Petrovna, was the daughter of Peter the Great, a pivotal figure in Russian history. Following the ascension of his aunt Elizabeth to the Russian throne in 1741, young Peter was brought to Russia and designated as her heir. He was renamed Peter Feodorovich, inducted into the Russian Orthodox Church in 1742, solidifying his position as the future emperor. In 1745, Peter married Sophie Friederike Auguste of Anhalt-Zerbst, who upon marriage took the name Catherine, later known to history as Catherine the Great.
Despite his position as heir, Peter’s personality and policies proved to be deeply unpopular. Described as mentally weak and strongly pro-Prussian, Peter quickly alienated his wife and failed to cultivate support among influential court factions. His admiration for Prussia was a defining characteristic that significantly impacted his foreign policy decisions once he ascended to the throne after Empress Elizabeth’s death.
Peter III’s reign marked a dramatic reversal of Russia’s foreign policy. Immediately upon becoming emperor, he ended Russia’s involvement in the Seven Years’ War, a costly conflict against Prussia. This decision, perceived by many in the Russian court and military as a betrayal, stemmed from Peter’s deep admiration for Prussian King Frederick the Great. He not only made peace but also formed an alliance with Prussia, even contemplating war against Denmark to further the interests of his native Holstein in acquiring Schleswig. This pro-Prussian stance was a major source of discontent among the Russian elite, who had largely opposed Prussia during the Seven Years’ War.
Domestically, Peter III enacted some reforms, including relieving the gentry of their mandatory state service in March 1762. However, even this seemingly beneficial act failed to garner widespread support. His attempts to reform the Russian Orthodox Church along Lutheran lines deeply offended the clergy and devout populace. Furthermore, his imposition of stricter service requirements on the imperial guards and threats to disband them turned this powerful group against him.
By this point, Peter’s actions had created a wide range of enemies. His wife, Catherine, fearing divorce and recognizing the widespread dissatisfaction, began to conspire against him. Supported by her lover Grigory Orlov and his brothers, key figures in the imperial guard, Catherine orchestrated a coup.
On July 9, 1762, Catherine, with the backing of the imperial guard, the Senate, and the Church, declared herself Empress Catherine II. Peter III, residing at Oranienbaum, was forced to abdicate the following day, July 10. He was arrested and taken to Ropsha, where he died shortly after under unclear circumstances while in the custody of Alexei Orlov. His brief reign and sudden demise cemented his image as a weak and ineffective ruler, overshadowed by the long and impactful reign of his successor, Catherine the Great. Peter III remains a controversial figure, his reign a stark reminder of the instability and intrigue that characterized 18th-century Russian politics.
