The essence of palace coups briefly. The era of palace coups is brief and understandable - the most important thing

Poping in 1722, the decree on the throne, according to which the monarch was supposed to appoint a successor to himself, Peter safely died in 1725, and not calling the cherished name.


After his death, the widow of Catherine occupies a throne with the support of the companions of Peter (mainly Menshikov and Tolstoy), which in time enlisted the support of the guard, Semenovsky and Preobrazhensky regiment. Over the two years of its board, the entire fullness of power was from Menshikov, the Supreme Secret Council was created. Before death, he was signed (daughter instead of the mother) "test", in which it was about the throne. The first of the Grand Prince-grandson (Peter II), Zesarevna Anna and Elizabeth and the Grand Princess Natalia (Sister Peter II). However, judging by further development Events, this will meant nothing.

The storage of the grandson of Peter the Great was prepared by a new intrigue involving the guard. All-powerful Menshikov was going to marry Tsarevich on his daughter Marya; The engagement was enclosed. However, over time, he lost his influence on the young emperor, whose pets were Alexey and Ivan Dolgoruky. This was followed by the fall of Menshikov and the conclusion of a new engagement - with the sister of Ivan Catherine. However, Peter is dangerous and dies almost on the day of his wedding.

It was the daughter of Ivan V, the duke of Kurlyandsky's widow, who lived in Kurlendia to Russian money and was caused by the Supreme Secret Council in Russia in 1730. When climbing the throne, it signed the condition that limit the autocratic power. Under the pressure of the noble, she then broke them out, yielding to persuasion to rule themselves. However, the next 10 years actually the rules is not, and its long-term favorite of Biron, whom she brought from Kurlendia.
She appointed his two-month nephew for his successor, the regent was to be biron. After the death of Anna, the arrest of the temporary was followed.

His mother, Anna Leopoldovna, the wife of the duke of Brownshweigsky, proclaimed himself by the government, MMM, regent. She entertained about a year, because Elizabeth (the daughter of Peter the Great) was terribly tired of waiting for his turn, and with the help of the Preobrazhensky regiment decided to arrange another coup, which was easily managed, since she was not borrowed.
All this was very theatrically: praying God and giving any kind of no one to execute, Elizabeth puts on the form of P. Shelca, takes a cross and heads the Grenadiers who brought it to the Winter Palace. There they woke up and frightened the chet of self-containers, who were arrested with the baby. Now Elizabeth could breathe calmly.

Every frankly pronounced thought, no matter how false it is, every clearly transmitted fantasy, no matter how reliable, can not not find sympathy in some soul.

L.N. Tough

Epoch palace coup - The period of the history of Russia from 1725 to 1762. This name went into use of Professor V. Klyuchevsky's filing, who marked the whole epoch, which accounted for 5 state coups. Today we will consider palace coups in Russia in terms of domestic historiography, as well as study this issue from different points of view, important to understand the essence of events.

Causes and prerequisites

Let's start with the main one. Why did the era of palace coups in principle become possible? After all, before it was more than 25 years of stability under the rule of Peter 1: the country developed, fastened, won the authority. Why, with his death, all collapsed and began chaos? There are several reasons for this, but main reason Palace coups was arranged by Peter himself. We are talking about the decree on the throne of 1722 (the monarch has the right to appoint any receiver) and about the murder of Tsarevich Alexei. As a result of the heir to the male line, there is no prison sentence, the testament is not left. Began chaos. This was the prerequisite for subsequent events.

These are the main reasons for the era of palace coups. For their perception, it is necessary to understand that for many years, stability in Russia held on a solid hand and the will of Peter 1.On was the main in the country. He stood above all. Simply put, the state was stronger than the elite. After the death of Peter, it turned out that the successor is not, and the elite becomes stronger than the state. It always leads to coups and problems within the country. Moreover, further events showed that the elite struggled for their position and with each new ruler expanded its privileges. Finally approved the nobility of the elite manifesto about the liberty of the nobility and the patched grades. In many ways, precisely because of this, there were problems with such people as, say, Paul 1, who tried to return the dominant role of the state over the nobles.

Political forces that have become the main in the organization of coups, these are nobles and the guard. They competently manipulated various lobbying groups, which promoted their ruler, because because of the new prepolyasing system, someone could sit on the throne. It is clear that the next relatives of Peter was chosen for this role, but in general, any of these relatives had the right to the throne. And each of them had their own groups.

Guard and its role

Palace coups of the 18th century is in fact the revolution, when armed people shifted one ruler, and not the place of another. Accordingly, a political force was needed capable of doing this. She became the Guard, which was mainly recruited from the nobles. The role of the guard in shift higher power In Russia, 1725-1762 is impossible to overestimate. It is these people with a weapon in the hands of "peak fate."

Strengthening the role of the Guard is related to the strengthening of the position of the nobility. The guard was mostly formed from the nobles, so the Guardsmen took the most direct participation in the coup, pursuing exclusively noble interests.

Internal policy of the era

The internal policy of Russia in the second quarter of the 18th century is characterized by two directions:

1. Strengthening the role of nobility.
2. Strengthening serfdom.

Main Direction internal politicians In the era of palace coups, this is the strengthening of the nobility and its positions. The strengthening of serfdom for the elite was also an important pointBut strengthening your rights is much more important. It was by the 60s of the 18th century that the rule of the elite over the state was finally formed. And it had far-reaching consequences. As a result, Paul 1 murder occurred, which tried to return the dominant role of the state, and the Patriotic War of 1812 began in many ways. After all, the violation of Russia continental blockade was held under the slogans that the elite and the state lose money.

The internal policy of Russia of this period is very interesting, especially if it is compared with the events of the 90s, after the collapse of the USSR. Below I will give the main events of the era of palace coups, as a result of which the nobility received all new privileges. You can compare them with how our current elite was formed. The expansion of the rights of the nobility in the second quarter of the 18th century took place in the following events:

• The nobles began to distribute land and peasants (Peter 1 forbade it). In the future, the monopoly law of the nobility on the peasants occurred.
• After 1731, all the estates of the nobles moved into their full personal property.
• Created special guards shelves for nobles.
• In the Guards Shelves, the nobles could be recorded from birth. Conditionally, the young man comes to the guard of 15 years, and he has 15 years service experience.
• Restriction of the service life of the nobility in the army to 25 years. The term was limited from all classes only nobles.
• Most state factories are transferred to the hands of nobles.
• The distillation was the monopoly of the nobility.
• Creating a noble bank.

The list can be continued, but I think the essence is clear. 37 years in Russia, elite was formed, the interests of which were higher than the interests of the state. Therefore, this time is also often called smutch.

Control of the country

Palace coups This is an era when a person sitting on the throne, only nominally was the head of state. Really, the country managed the favorites and the groupings they headed. The favorites created the management bodies of the country, which most often submitted only to them (on paper the emperor). Therefore, the following is a detailed table, which presents the management authorities in the second quarter of the 18th century.

A separate question of this topic - why Daughter Peter 1 did not have preferential rights in comparison with other heirs? Again, everything rests on the decree on the throne, where every monarch himself appoints the successor: it can be a son, daughter, wife, someone else's person, at least a simple peasant. Anyone can claim the throne, so the daughter of the first Russian emperor was in the same position as everything.

Brief the essence of the board

Let us briefly consider the essence of the reign of emperors who were in power in Russia during the period of palace coups:

• Catherine 1 (Peter's wife 1). In 1725, Peter was to become the ruler 2. The palace, where he made a decision, the guardsmen of Semenovsky and Preobrazhensky regiments were precipitated by order Menshikov. The first coup happened. Ekaterina did not have anything.
• Peter 2 (grandson of Peter 1). Already in 1727, he exiled Menshikov in the link. Began the elevation of the old nobility. The positions of the Dolgoruky intensified as much as possible. There were sets of parties that actively advocated the restriction of the monarchy.
• Anna Ioannovna (daughter Ivana 5, Brother Peter 1). I went to the throne after history with the "Conditions". The time of its board is remembered by constant fun, carnivals, balas and the like. It is enough to remember the Ice Palace.
• Ivan Antonovich (grandson of Ivana 5). The real power was in the hands of the Biron (the continuation of bironovshchina). A new conspiracy was very soon ripe, and the Guardsmen made a change in the ruler.
• Elizabeth Petrovna (daughter Peter 1). The ruled country was interested in little. Really rules through its favorites.
• Peter 3 (grandson of Peter 1 in the female line). Frankly weak ruler, which should not be in power. He was only there thanks to the next elite conspiracy. Peter 3 reptiles before Prussia. Therefore, Elizabeth and did not appoint it a receiver.

Consequences of the era

Palace coups were essential for the 18th and 19th century of our history. In many respects, precisely in those days was laid that social dynamite, which exploded in 1917. If we say in general about the consequences of the era of palace coups, they are generally reduced to the following:

1. A strong blow to Russian identity is applied.
2. Department of the Church from the state. In fact, the ideas of Orthodoxy at the State Level refused finally.
3. The obscurity of the state destroyed, as a result of the formation of the elite - nobility.
4. Economic undermining of the country. For the carnival era of coups in 37 years, the country was paid in the future for more than a century!

This time led to the massive domain of Russia by foreigners, primarily by the Germans. The peak of this process came to the reign of Anna John. In many leading positions, the Germans stood and they did not at all in the interests of Russia, but in their personal. As a result, these 37 years are terrible rampant corruption, treasury, bribery, anarchy and power model of the state.

The era of palace coups - the name of the period in the historical literature political history Russia, when, as a result of the struggle of the court groups, with the support of the guard, the violent change of the ruler or his closest surroundings was repeatedly happening. The term was introduced by VO. Klyuchevsky and fixed over a period of 1725-1762.

For 37 years, six emperors changed on the Russian throne. The palace coups were accompanied by an addende on the throne of Catherine I (1725), Anna John (1730), Elizabeth Petrovna (1741), Catherine II (1762). In addition, the shift in the actual leaders of the government A.D. Menshikova (1727) and EI. Biron (1740) while maintaining the power of the ruling sovereign is also classified as palace coup. A number of researchers also include the murder of Paul I in 1801, the Streetsky uprising of 1689 and even the Decembrist uprising in 1825

Palace coups became an order of the political system of Russia of this period - when an autocratic form of government with an unlimited power of the emperor was combined with the weak legal status of the higher public institutions and the rapid status structure. Both the Senate and the tips on the monarch (Supreme Secret Council in 1726-1730, the Cabinet of Ministers in 1731-1741, the conference at the highest courtyard in 1756-1762) did not have a legislatively enshrined circle of authority, were directly dependent on the monarch and Could not prevent palace coups. Accordingly, the political struggle was the struggle for influence on the emperor and often took the form of court conspiracies and palace coups.

A big role was played by the "Decree on the Prepolyasing" of Peter I of 5.02.1722, who overturned the old procedure for the inheritance of the throne and put it dependent on the personal will of the testator; This decree made it possible to appear several contenders for the throne. In addition, the genus of Romanovs on the men's line prevented with the death of Peter II (1730); From that time, the right to the throne in all possible applicants were skill.

The main tool in the struggle of political groups was the court guard (primarily Semenovsky and Transfiguration Shelves). The Guards Shelves were represented by a cohesive, privileged and well-paid part of the army, they submitted to the monarch personally, their commanders themselves were the highest dignitaries. Turning on Russian Empire The system of international relations of that time led to the emergence of the permanent missions of European powers under the Russian court, which also intervened in political struggle and directly participated in a number of palace coup.

After Peter I, in the highest echelons, the authorities arose around the future of the applicant for the throne: the grandson of Peter I - Peter and the widow of the king - Catherine Alekseevna. In 1725, the efforts of New Petrovskaya Knight, A.D. Menshikova, P.I. Yaguzhinsky, P.A. Tolstoy and others, with the support of the guard (on behalf of the Guard, its commanders - A.I. Ushakov, I.I. Buturlin) was erected by Catherine I.

Catherine I died in 1727 appointed his successor to eleven-year-old Peter Alekseevich, the actual ruler of the state was the nearest associate of Peter I A.D. Menshikov. However, in September 1727, as a result of the court intrigues of Dolgoruki and A.I. Osterman he was removed from power and sent together with his family.

By the time Peter II (1730), the main power functions focused in the hands of the Supreme Secretary Council, which included representatives of the old aristocracy (from the eight of its members, five represented families of Dolgoruki and Golitsyn). On the Russian throne, it was decided to invite Anna John, the daughter of Ivan V, on the terms of limiting the autocratic power in favor of the Supreme Secret Council ("Conditions"). It was not only about the erection of a particular sovereign to the throne, but also about an attempt to change the existing form of state reign. However, the plans of the "Verkhovov" became a wide range of nobility, their dissatisfaction with these plans, and, relying on the guardian (this time, the senior officers of the Guards regiments were involved in political discussions), Anna Ioannovna publicly broke the "Conditions", while maintaining the autocratic form of the Board ( 1730).

In 1740, the power tactics of the coup was tested: under the command of B.H. Miniha Guardsmen were arrested by Antonovich assigned under Ivan Vi, Ivan V, the regent E.I. Biron and its closest environment. In the future, this type of palace coup, in which guardsmen participated as a shock force, became the main method of political struggle. In 1741 Elizaveta Petrovna, relying on his environment and the Guards regiments of the Preobrazhensky regiment, overtook the government of Ivan Vi Antonovich, unpopular in the Russian nobility and arrested him and his family.

In 1762, due to the widespread displeasure of the nobles by the foreign policy steps of Peter III (first of all, the St. Petersburg world of 1762, which was perceived as a one-sided refusal of the acquisitions made as a result of a seven-year war) in the guard ripe conspiracy (Brothers Orlov, N.I. . Panin, etc.), and 06/28/1762 As a result of the coup for the throne, his wife Catherine II climbed.

The completion of the era of palace coups is associated with the consolidation of the Russian nobility, the development of its class institutions, the final execution of the political elite of the Russian Empire and the constitution of the system of higher state bodies.

He stopped all the reforms that penetrated public life. Officials at the very top seemed to be not ready for the death of a monarch. One of the most interesting periods of the history of Russia begins - palace coups.

The era of palace coups briefly - this is the period of changing the emperors on the Russian throne at active participation Guard and court groupings.

FROM make forced many people close to the state to look for a place under the sun. All began to fight for power. Soon it became clear that the society was shared in two. On the one hand, those whom the surroundings scared, who have experienced disgust. And with the other, those people who grew on its transformations are the so-called "chicks of Petrov's nest".

The hottest spores broke out around the future monarch. It is quite clear that on the male line he was one -, son of Alexey Petrovich. And on the feminine, the most rights had a wife -.

The era of palace coups to the Board of Catherine I

It seems everything is clear - choose any candidate out of two, but ... Nemonesty arose more due to the decree of the Preconseed. This document canceled completely all the order of inheritance of the throne, which was before. Only the monarch himself could appoint the heir.

Activity of a close friend and like-minded people A.D. Menshikov brought his fruits. He was able to attract a large number of People over the candidacy. In addition, he was supported by the Guard, who already played a huge role. That is, the palace coup in favor decided it was the Guard. So it will be not only this time. The first coup of the epoch was perfect.

If briefly, then the reign of a new empress, let Menshikov filled themselves. Catherine was only having fun and enjoyed the society. Her face sweating, she was constantly on the balls, having fun, apparently never experienced the losses of his beloved husband. So it lasted until 1727 was sick for three months. And the court stakeholders were again baked only about their future situation in the state.

The era of palace coups - the Board of Peter II briefly

After her death, the second palace coup took place - he joined the throne, he was only eleven. Naturally, there is no speech about sound management of the state in such a situation when the monarch is very young. And his nanniki regents are interested, only to how to fill their pockets.

Menshikov already thought out. His plan was to marry the emperor on his daughter Mary, although she was his older. But calculated. I did not see how the dolvory turned out to be close at the sovereign.Over time, they began to have a great influence over. Menshikov was in disfavor, and was exiled to Ryazan.

All the favorites from the Dolgoruky got tallets at the court. And new feasts, couments and disgraces began. Ivan Dolgoruky Being Started very early earned him to truly men's fun, which was that the teenager was already very immoral for 13 years.

There was a new idea - to marry Ivan Ekaterina Dolgorukka. Thus, Dolgoruky wanted to be closer to the imperial family. And also in the case of a new coup, save power anyway. The engagement of the young emperor had a place to be. But there was no scheduled wedding. All the coincided is extremely tragic - after a cold, I got sick and after two weeks died. This was the result of a brief one stage of the era of palace coups ...

Palace noble coup

Began new page This adventure act - the next in line in the period of palace coups was. The daughter is a little forgotten already brother Ivan V. She lived very quietly and poorly in Kurland, by 1730 he already lost her husband and tried to survive.

In 1730, St. Petersburg was hot. Oge again, the bustle and burn, officials tried to stay again in the state game. The candidacy fell to them - Bestwank from nature, without education. Back at the age of 17, she left Russia due to diplomatic plans. She was married to the Duke of Kurlyandsky. And a couple of years did not pass as a husband died, she lived in Kurland since 19 years old.

Her candyadura on the Russian throne was ideal. But she was not just invited to the throne, the supremes insured themselves - "Conditions" were compiled - a special document limiting the political rights of the monarch. But also was not so simple, as it would seem.

After the coup, she arrived in Moscow. Only the grain of doubt appeared in this document at the Guard, so she immediately broke them. Anna had to strengthen the throne. Therefore, she canceled a number, not pleasing nobility, decrees. Dolgoruky, as in due time, Menshikov were not a yard, they selected all the wealth and drove.

Board began. Palace Life I remember only with large-scale goals and balas. All the time holidays and mascaras. And the duration of them was not regulated, sometimes this vakhanalia continued ten days, and more. This led to an increase in the cost of the yard, several times. The most famous event was the wedding of an insane jester Golitsyn in an ice house. But there were other events in her board. Here, the term "bironovshchina" often pops up.

Ernst Biron was her favorite, brought him from Kurland. He was always in the spotlight, and the Empress was absorbed by him. This man in plundering and lawlessness even shared Menshikov and Dolgoruky. At the courtyard there were a lot of foreigners, besides, they did not respect the Russian nobility and were engaged in a frank arbitrariness. This caused discontent among Russian aristocracy.

By 1740, the Empress began. But the question of the heir was already resolved. They became the son of the niece of Empress Anna Leopoldovna - Ivan Vi Antonovich. When Ivan was not enough for only six months from the genus. Regent with a small emperor became Biron. But they were only three weeks, then as a result of the coup, the regency received the mother of Ivana - Anna Leopoldovna.

Palace Guards coup briefly

But Anna Leopoldovna was at Valley for a long time. On the horizon appeared. She was friendly with the Guards. In November, the Guard called on to make a new palace coup, and she decided. If briefly, the palace twist is overwhelmed by the assault on the Winter Palace. But this did not need. Everyone passed to the side of Elizabeth voluntarily.

As for Ivan, until sixteen, he grew far beyond the city under the supervision. And then it was translated into the fortress of Shlisselburg. He grew there in terrible conditions, it affected the psyche of a young young man.

Outside the throne immediately spread rapid activities, some bodies were abolished, and new ones were created. She, like her predecessor, loved holidays, flattery, beautifully dressed. She dressed all her dresses only once, for the second time no clothes were worn.

At the beginning of the board, she tried to actively delve into the palace affairs and the affairs of the state. In November 1742, she appointed his nephew heir. But over time, the empress was less and less interested in what happened in the country. But the heir to Peter she fell very much.

Palace coups - The period in the history of the Russian Empire of the XVIII century, when the highest government It was achieved by the palace coup, implemented with the help of the guard or courtie. In the presence of absolutism, this method of changing the authorities remained one of the few ways to influence society (noble elite) to the supreme power in the state.

The origins of the palace coups should be sought in Politics Peter I. FROM "Decree on the Preconsession" (1722), he as much as possible increased the number of potential appeals to the throne. The acting monarch had the right to leave anyone as an heir. If he did not do this, the question of the inheritance of the throne remained open.

In that political situationwhich has developed in Russia in the XVIII century, the coups carried out a regulatory function in relations between the key systems of absolutism - the autocracy, the ruling top and the dominant noble estate.

Brief chronology of events

After Peter's death, his spouse reaches Ekaterina I. (1725-1727). With it created Supreme Secret Council (1726), who helped her in the management of the country.

Her heir Peter II. (1727-1730), the grandson of Peter I, suffered the capital of Russia from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

Supreme Secret Council, forceding to sign "Conditions" - Conditions that limit the power of the monarch (1730), invited Anna Joannovna (1730-1740), Duchess Kurland, daughter Ivan V, in Russian throne. The future empress first accepted them, and then rejected. The time of her rule is known as "Bironovschina" (The name of its favorite). With it, the Supreme Secret Council was eliminated, the Cabinet of Ministers (1731) was canceled, the Cabinet (1731) was created (1731), the Dobial Service was established for 25 years (1736).

In 1740, the throne inherits five months Niece Anna Ioannovna Ivan VI (1740-1741) (Rents: Biron, Anna Leopoldovna). Restored Supreme Secret Council. Biron reduced the value of the tax rate, introduced luxury restrictions in court everyday life, issued a manifesto about strict compliance with laws.

In 1741, the daughter of Peter - Elizabeth I. (1741-1761) Makes the next state coup. The Supreme Secretary Council liquidates, the Cabinet of Ministers (1741) is abolished, restores the rights of the Senate, cancels domestic customs fees (1753), creates a state borrowed bank (1754), a decree allowed to refer to the settlement to Siberia Peasants (1760).

From 1761-1762 Rights the nephew Elizabeth I, Peter III. It makes a decree on the secularization of church lands - the process of circulation of church property to state (1761), eliminates the secret office, makes manifesto about the liberty of the nobility (1762).

Main dates:

1725-1762 - Epoch of palace coups
1725-1727. - Catherine I (the second wife of Peter I), years of government.
1727-1730 - Peter II (the son of Tsarevich Alexey, grandson of Peter I), years of government.
1730-1740 - Anna Ioannovna (Peter I's niece, daughter of his brother-co-co-german Ivan V)
1740-1741 - Ivan VI (Tringid Litter of Peter I). Regency Biron, then Anna Leopoldna.
1741-1761 - Elizabeth Petrovna (daughter Peter i), years of government
1761-1762 - Peter III (The grandson of Peter I and Karl XII, the nephew Elizabeth Petrovna).

Table "Palace Pulls"