Palace Coups in 18th-Century Russia: The Struggle for the Imperial Throne

The era of Russian palace coups is often viewed as a chaotic series of random power grabs. In reality, it was a highly structured struggle governed by specific political mechanisms, elite alliances, and military influence. This text-only course guides you through the complex political landscape of 18th-century Russia, moving beyond simple chronologies to analyze the deep-seated power dynamics of the Romanov dynasty. You will gain a clear framework for understanding how a succession crisis transformed an empire and set the stage for Catherine the Great. What you'll learn: - Analyze the root causes of the succession crises following the death of Peter the Great - Understand the decisive political role of the Imperial Guards in making and breaking monarchs - Examine the system of favoritism and how key court figures influenced state policy - Deconstruct historical myths and propaganda created by successive rulers to legitimize their power - Evaluate the socio-political choices of the Russian elite that preserved autocratic rule over constitutional limits - Apply modern historical analysis techniques to critically interpret primary source narratives of the era You will begin by mastering essential historical terminology and the geopolitical context of the post-Petrine era. From there, you will read through the chronological progression of coups, analyzing the strategic decisions of key historical players and the structural evolution of the Russian state. This course is designed for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about political history. No prior knowledge of Russian history is required to participate. Start reading today to uncover the secret forces that shaped the imperial Russian throne.