The era of Anna John in painting. Domestic and foreign policies of the rulers of the 18th century

Duke Johann Ernest Biron, whose power was practically unlimited, began to have a huge influence on the internal politics of the country. The highest positions in the state ended up in the hands of foreigners, mainly Germans: Osterman was the chancellor, Field Marshal Minich was the commander-in-chief of the army, Baron Korff was the president of the Academy of Sciences, etc.

To prevent possible discontent, a secret police (“Word and Deed”) was created, which was engaged in identifying and punishing the dissatisfied. People were persecuted by her regardless of class origin.

Foreigners viewed all domestic policy tasks through the prism of their interests and personal enrichment; German rules were imposed in the army, the fleet did not receive money and new ships were not built, any attempt to stop embezzlement and limit the power of temporary workers was severely punished.

Foreign policy was traditional:

maintaining good neighborly relations with Sweden under the terms of the Nystadt Treaty;

support for the king of Poland whose policy was in the interests of Russia;

tried to achieve access to the Black Sea: having renewed the military alliance with Austria, they declared war on Turkey in 1737; but Austria left the war without Russia’s consent, so the terms of the Belgrade Peace (1739) were curtailed - Russia received only Azov. However, foreign policy also lost its clarity and principles: for example, the Russian-English treaty infringed on the interests of Russia, granting England the right to duty-free import of goods.

In the fall of 1740, Anna Ioannovna died, appointing her niece’s 2-month-old son Ivan Antonovich as heir. Biron was declared regent under him. He ruled for only 22 days and was overthrown by Minich. Ivan Antonovich's mother Anna Leopoldovna was declared regent.

Anna Leopoldovna was completely incapable of any participation in public administration Therefore, in November 1741, the guards - conspirators, outraged by the dominance of the Germans, elevated the daughter of Peter I, Elizabeth, to the throne.

Topic 21. Domestic and foreign policy of Elizabeth Petrovna (1741 – 1761)

Intensification of serf exploitation in the first halfXVIIIV.

Beginning with Peter I, the degree of enslavement of peasants increased, and their financial and legal situation worsened significantly. Peter's reforms were carried out at the expense of the peasants, and even the formation of the working class began without the abolition of serfdom.

The state has always protected the interests of the nobles, so the peasants looked at it as a force hostile to themselves. The only exception was the king, with whom all hopes were pinned, but officials were hated.

II. Expansion of the privileges of the nobility in the first half of the 18th century.

Simultaneously with the strengthening of serfdom, the rights of the nobles expanded, finally eliminating the distinction between patrimonial owners and landowners, the clan aristocracy and the common nobility.

Peter's reforms strengthened the position of the nobles, gave them the opportunity to enrich themselves through manufactures and public service, but at the same time they were forced to carry out this public service.

The decrees of Peter I and his successors allowed the purchase of peasants to manufactories, which violated land relations. Increase state taxes, especially the introduction of the poll tax, ruined the peasants, and along with them the landowners who lived off the quitrent became poorer.

Forced labor did not contribute to the growth of labor productivity, the creation of new tools and technologies in industry and agriculture. During the palace coups, many previously free peasants turned into serfs, since they were the ones the monarch awarded to those who helped him come to power.

All successors of Peter I retained the “Table of Ranks”, but significantly expanded the privileges of the nobles:

part of the state-owned factories was transferred to the nobles and exempted from taxes;

during palace coups, the nobles received new lands and workers;

heirs were enrolled in service, especially military service, almost from birth, so by the time they began their service they already had a fairly high rank;

service life was limited to 25 years.

Domestic policy of Elizaveta Petrovna.

The death penalty has been abolished, but corporal punishment has been retained. The Secret Chancellery, which was in charge of political investigation, was liquidated, and the former role of the Senate was restored.

The staff of the Collegiums and Departments has been streamlined, and prosecutorial supervision has been restored. Peter's regulations were restored during the formation of the army and navy, German regulations and German uniforms were abolished.

Landowners received the right to exile peasants to Siberia for offenses or to conscript them, since serfs of their own free will no longer had the right to enter military service.

Internal customs were destroyed (1754) and the policy of protecting Russian goods from foreign competition was confirmed.

The nobles received the right to retire for family reasons, but their service life remained the same - 25 years.

Moscow University was opened in 1755, and the Academy of Arts was opened in 1760.

Foreign policy of Elizaveta Petrovna

Main objectives of foreign policy:

consolidate the gained position in the Baltic and prevent the emergence of revanchist policies;

gain access to the Azov and Black Seas;

promote the reunification of Western Ukrainian and Belarusian lands with Russia.

According to these tasks, Chancellor Alexey Petrovich Bestuzhev-Ryumin developed the following program:

have friendly relations with England, since economic ties with it are very profitable and make sea routes safe;

maintain an alliance with Austria, since it is also threatened by Turkey, and it can help Russia in the event of war with the Ottoman Empire;

maintain friendly relations with Denmark, Norway and Sweden, as this will strengthen Russia’s position in the Baltic states;

maintain the system of electing the king in Poland, which will allow influencing the politics of this country;

with all other countries, even hostile to Russia, have peaceful relations if possible and go to war only if there is real threat interests of Russia.

In the middle of the 18th century. relations between England and France, who fought for the acquisition of colonies in North America and in India, as well as for a dominant position in Europe.

Austria and Prussia competed with each other, trying to subjugate the German principalities to their influence and expand their territory at their expense.

By 1756, two coalitions of states were formed in Europe: England and Prussia opposed Russia, Austria and France. Military operations between England and France are taking place in India and North America. In this war, France loses: India and most of the lands of North America, except Canada, become colonies of England.

Russian participation in the Seven Years' War

(1756 – 1762).

This European conflict was called the Seven Years' War; military operations took place on three continents at once: in Asia (India), North America and Europe. In Europe, Prussia fights against Austria, seizing Silesia from it. Austria turns to Russia for help, which begins military operations against Prussia.

Russia enters the war, not only helping Austria, but also because the aggressive policy of the Prussian king Frederick II contradicts Russian interests in the Baltic states.

Progress of hostilities:

Results of the Seven Years' War:

Despite the brilliant military victories, the results of the war for Russia were very modest, since after the death of Elizabeth Petrovna (1761), Peter III, an ardent admirer of the Prussian king Frederick II, ascended the throne. All territories and cities were returned to Prussia. Russia refused to pay indemnity.

Peter III received an officer rank in the Prussian army, and Frederick II promised to help return the Principality of Schleswig to the ownership of Holstein (Schleswig at that time belonged to Denmark, so Peter III was going to declare war on it).

Despite the policies of Peter III, Russia's international authority increased significantly, the immediate danger to the Western Russian borders was eliminated, and Russia's position in the Baltic States strengthened.

After the unexpected death of the young Emperor Peter II. The Dolgorukys and Golitsyns, who ruled the Supreme Privy Council at that time, were feverishly looking for ways to maintain their influence in power. It was decided to find a convenient successor to the Russian throne.

The Dowager Duchess of Courland seemed to be a simple and controlled woman without character, personality or talents. Anna Ioannovna, who did not have a sharp mind and exorbitant ambitions. The leaders considered her a suitable candidate for the throne.

The reign of Anna Ioannovna went down in history as a dark decade. The dominance of foreigners in domestic and foreign policy has brought modest results to Russia. Their insatiable desire for profit and personal gain led to a certain amount of economic growth.

The empress's policies increased the importance of the noble class, and the situation of the peasants worsened. Foreign policy on all stated positions was more likely to fail than succeed. In people's memory, this era has become a symbol of the disrespect of the authorities for the country and people.

Evil scam with “Conditions”

To ascend to the throne, a mere trifle was required - to sign the “Conditions”, which significantly curtailed autocratic power. For almost twenty years Anna Ioannovna hung around in Courland in need and humiliation. She did not miss the chance to become the Empress of Russia and at the end of January 1730 she easily brushed aside the ill-fated “Conditions”.

A month later, with the support of the guard and the nobility, she broke the agreement, returning full autocracy. The fate of the members of the Supreme Privy Council, abolished by the manifesto in March 1730, was tragic. The leaders of the Dolgrukikh-Golitsin party were repressed.

A quarrelsome lady on the Russian throne

Not without reason, Anna Ioannovna remained in historical memory as an idle and lazy empress, who transferred her affairs to those close to her. Ernst Biron was given special powers, and later the signature of three elected dignitaries was equated to the signature of the Empress herself. This form of detached government was called “Bironovshchina” in history.

This era was distinguished by the powerful dominance of foreigners in government and the army. The arbitrariness, embezzlement and senseless cruelty of temporary workers, endowed with the trust of the empress, became a disaster for the country. The tyranny of Biron and the foreigners around him was carried out along with the fact that the devout Anna Ioannovna cared about Orthodoxy and the preservation of traditions, but the Russian aristocracy was in fact disadvantaged.

Domestic policy

The main efforts in domestic policy, the empress focused on consolidating the positions won during the palace coup of 1730.

In addition, Anna Ioannovna returned the capital's function to St. Petersburg and resumed the activities of the secret chancellery, which launched unbridled repressions.

Features of foreign policy

In the international arena, efforts focused on the Polish and Turkish directions. Vaguely expressed interests made foreign policy unprofitable for Russia, this is confirmed by the following facts:

Russian-Polish War 1733 – 1735 was provoked by the election of the enemy of Russia, Stanislav Leszczynski, as king of Poland, behind whom France stood. The success of the Russian troops brought Augustus III to the Polish throne, and Austria received the benefits.

Russian-Turkish War 1735 – 1739 in alliance with Austria, covered the Don, Dnieper and Crimean directions. However, the Austrians concluded a separate peace with the Turks, after which Russia signed a peace treaty in Belgrade. Despite the fact that Azov remained with Russia, it was not possible to enter the Black Sea.

For the sake of concluding an alliance with Persia against Turkey, Russia gave up the lands conquered by Peter I, but did not achieve the desired victories.

The wars waged by the empire did not bring the desired foreign policy benefits to Russia.

1. Panonood ng

   The accidental empress was so smart that she understood her true role. She can show off on the throne, but she cannot rule. That’s why she let Osterman, Biron, and others rule the country, and those had their own interests, which she allowed. It seems that only Volynsky suffered, and even he, coupled with politics.

2. S.G.

   Thanks a lot!!!

3. Vasya

   Complete nonsense. Not an article, but disinformation. Foreign policy was successful. They planted their king in Poland, their duke in Courland: they received an ally right up to the division of Poland and reliable western borders. A bunch of countries have recognized the imperial title. We gained a foothold on the Dnieper. For the first time in history, they beat the French army into the face and defeated the Crimean Khanate. They gave the Caspian lands, where our troops died like flies for years, to the Persians. We got the opportunity to fight the Turks without fear of being stabbed in the back. England and France recognized our supremacy in the Baltic Sea and guaranteed Peter's conquests in the Baltic states and Finland. Concluded a peace treaty with China. The Belgrade peace was a failure, yes: the lesson from now on is to negotiate on your own, and not through well-wishing intermediaries.
   There were no “repressions” inside. The bribe takers were executed. By the time of the empress's death, the budget was in surplus. Despite 8 years of continuous wars. Mining and metallurgy were raised, and our own stable leather, paper and cloth production was established. The Empress only fired from guns Russian production)). They stably financed the Academy of Sciences and sent the slackers Lomonosov and Vinogradov to study abroad. They equipped the Second Kamchatka Expedition. The Lande Ballet School (future Theater School) was opened. A permanent theater (Italian and German troupes) appeared in St. Petersburg with performances not only for the courtiers. They opened the Land Noble Cadet Corps and resumed garrison schools for MANDATORY education of soldiers' children. A network of state stud farms was created. The first bank was opened.
   The capital was returned from Moscow to St. Petersburg. They created a radial street map of St. Petersburg (still exists). Orenburg was founded. They resumed the construction of large ships and created a powerful galley fleet. Two new regiments - Izmailovsky and Cuirassier. They raised a generation of highly educated and highly cultured nobles (these were the same age as Catherine the Great). They turned Russia onto the European path in such a way that it could no longer be turned back.
   Literature: Kamensky, Anisimov, Kurukin, Petrukhintsev, Pavlenko (about mining plants). Read, develop, don’t repeat the nonsense of the 19th century...

4. Tatiana

   Read Pikul’s “Word and Deed”, and then talk about the absence of repressions, Ivan the Terrible and Stalin are resting...

5. Elena, Krasny Yar

   In 1732, by personal decree of Anna Ioanovna, the construction of the Krasnoyarsk fortress began as a border bastion. She personally chose a place on the map, focusing on a strategically advantageous location: the confluence of the Sok and Kondurcha rivers, the elevated bank of the Sok River, the crossroads of roads to Moscow and the Urals (tracts - roads - already existed).
   The fortress was built in 1735.

   She wasn't that stupid. She was bound hand and foot by the conventions with which she took the throne, yes. Otherwise they wouldn't have taken it. And who would rule... It's better not to think. Repression - yes, for any autocrat the throne is life.
   Balls, parties, alcohol... - all this came from Peter the Great, his legacy and his heirs. But they didn’t know how to take care of their health back then.

   A civilian settlement was later organized near the fortress. Nowadays it is a large and very beautiful village of Krasny Yar, Samara region, the regional center. There is a Local Lore (Historical) Museum in the village. And there is the Rosso Ariev Museum (museum of stone sculptures). In the latter, on the territory of the most interesting shape, there are boulders and millstones brought from different parts of the region. There are houses - Slavic huts, Slavic (pre-Christian) holidays are held. The museum is officially registered; it was founded by a local farmer and his sons on their land.
   IN Soviet time and in the 90s the fortress was a pitiful sight. The buildings, of course, were no longer preserved; the shaft was collapsing. In the early 2000s Earthworks The fortress was completely restored, and a sports complex with playgrounds and a stadium was successfully located on the territory.
   In front of the entrance to the fortress stands big Stone with signs. Written:
   “The Krasnoyarsk fortress was built by decree of Empress Anna Ioanovna in 1735.
   The construction was led by military engineer Captain I.A. Babikov.
   Fortress garrison:
   4 companies of the Sergievsky Landmilitsky Cavalry Regiment
   1st company of the Alekseevsky Infantry Regiment"

   At the entrance to the fortress there is a memorial plaque in the shape of a scroll with the royal coat of arms in Russian and English:
   “The Russian border ran here from 1732 to 1738.”
   There is a border post with the same sign next to a private residential house.
   Further, the border moved back in favor of Russia.

   Several similar fortresses, similar in shape, were built along the ridge of the hill - they pulled a chain from Krasny Yar to the east - the Urals, Siberia. If you are interested, write to the search engine, you will find everything - both articles and photographs. But this was never taught in schools!

With the appearance of Anna Ioannovna on the throne, the “timelessness” that followed the death of Peter I continued, that is, the inexpressive, dull period when people came to power who thought primarily about their own fate and were deeply indifferent to the fate of Russia. Anna Ioannovna became a vivid personification of this period in the life of the country.

A semi-educated, deeply provincial woman ascended the throne great power with the opposition of a significant part of the nobility and wide circles of the nobility.

First of all, she tried to surround herself with people who were devoted and close to her. Her chief chamberlain Ernst Johann Biron, her favorite, with whom she had been in love all her life, was immediately summoned from Courland. He did not occupy any post in Russia, but from then on he was constantly close to the queen and directed virtually all her actions. A personable and handsome man, not stupid, quite educated (he even studied for some time at the University of Koenigsberg), Biron did not strive to be in the public eye, he kept a low profile. But through faithful people, who came from Courland, who occupied large positions in Russia with the support of the tsaritsa, as well as through the Russian supporters of the tsarina and his personal promoters, he practically held in his hands all the threads of government. The fundamental interests of Russia were alien to Biron as a foreigner. Russian problems did not bother his heart. Other foreigners who came to power along with Anna Ioannovna were also his match.

The government was headed by A.I. Osterman, at the head of the army is Field Marshal Burchard Christopher Minich, who were invited to serve in Russia by Peter I. Fearing the Russian nobles, Anna Ioannovna put people from German lands at the head of the guards regiments. And for her personal military support, she created another guards regiment - Izmailovsky - after the name of the village where she lived a significant part of her life.

Anna Ioannovna quickly settled accounts with her enemies. The Supreme Privy Council was destroyed. Instead, there appeared an office consisting of three people. The leading role in it belonged to the unprincipled and cunning Osterman. Peter's Senate was recreated in an expanded composition. The Secret Chancellery, destroyed after the death of Peter I, reappeared as an organ of political investigation and political persecution of opponents.

At first, kindly and D.M. Golitsyn, and the Dolgorukovs (it was impossible to begin the reign with reprisals), Anna Ioannovna, at the insistence of Biron and Osterman, gradually pushed aside her ill-wishers. So, Golitsyn lost all his posts, and subsequently stood trial on trumped-up charges and was sentenced to death penalty. The Empress pardoned him and replaced his execution with life imprisonment in the Shlisselburg fortress, where they sent the 70-year-old nobleman, who was seriously suffering from gout and could barely walk with the help of crutches. There he died.

The Dolgorukovs were first sent to their estates, and then almost all of them were sent under guard to Berezovo, where Mentikov, exiled due to their machinations, had recently languished. Later, Peter II’s friend Ivan Dolgorukov was taken from there to the Secret Chancellery and after interrogations and brutal torture executed.

To strengthen her position among the nobility, Anna Ioannovna was forced to carry out a number of events. Finally, the nobles received the long-awaited right to limit their service life. It was set at 25 years old, after which they could retire. This is the first step towards the liberation of the nobility from the heavy “Petrine bondage”. The second step was the abolition of the law on unified inheritance of estates. Now they can be divided between sons. At the same time, votchinas were finally equalized with estates and were to be called “estate - votchina.” The third step was the creation of a cadet corps, from where noble children immediately entered the army as officers and did not have to pull the soldier's burden, as under Peter.

All this somewhat calmed the noble class and reconciled it with the authorities.

The new government also accommodated the industrialists: the old order of providing enterprises with serf labor was confirmed. Moreover, Anna Ioannovna allowed entrepreneurs to buy peasants for their factories even without land. The scope of serf labor in the economy thereby expanded.

Some changes have been made in the area of ​​local government. There were reports from everywhere that “many governors, both townspeople and district (i.e., peasants - note by author) people, inflict great insults and ruin... take bribes.” By decree of the queen, from now on the governors had to change every two years and at the same time report to the Senate on income and expenses. If their management is found to be conscientious, then they can serve another term in the voivodeship. If controllers discover abuses, this will be followed by dismissal and legal proceedings.

The government made sluggish attempts to organize the fight against embezzlement, bribery, and judicial red tape.

The time of Anna Ioannovna is sometimes called the “Bironovschina.” This means that many areas of government of the country were imbued with the influence of the imperial favorite. Anna Ioannovna and Biron appointed people loyal to them to all key posts in the country. Such people often came from German lands, in particular from Courland. But a certain number of Biron’s supporters were also represented by Russian nobles and nobles. Therefore, one cannot associate “Bironovism” only with the dominance of people of German origin. Rather, it was a clan in which closely related people were loyal to their leader on a personal basis. As a rule, personal loyalty was based on material interests: key positions in the government, army, local government, providing high incomes, the opportunity to use official position for enrichment (taking bribes, embezzlement of the state treasury).

But this does not mean at all that Biron’s people captured all the main positions in the state. The favorite was opposed by other strong government figures, including Germans. Thus, hidden rivalry existed between Biron and Osterman, between Biron and Field Marshal Minich. The Germans were going against the Germans. At the same time, in order to resist the same Osterman, Biron obtained from Anna Ioannovna the inclusion in the cabinet of his supporter, a famous associate of Peter I, diplomat and former Astrakhan and Kazan governor Artemy Petrovich Volynsky, who at first fervently served the tsar’s favorite.

The concept of “Bironovism” also includes the creation in Russia of a strong political investigation, a powerful repressive organization represented by the Secret Chancellery and the whole system informers and spies throughout the country. The most high-profile and merciless case of the Secret Chancellery was the trial of A.P. Volynsky and his supporters.

The excellent administrator Volynsky came into power at court: at one time it was he who, as a cabinet minister, reported on all matters, drafts of new decrees to Anna Ioannovna, pushed aside even Osterman and thereby alerted his patron Biron. Both influential Germans united against Volynsky and demanded his head from the empress. Biron was especially furious when he learned that Volynsky and his supporters were discussing the issue of German dominance in Russia. The main testimony against him was given under torture by his own servant. He reported that his master said: “Our Empress is a fool, and as you report, you won’t get any resolution from her, but now the Duke (i.e. Biron - Author’s note) does what he wants.”

This was enough for reprisals. A.P. Volynsky was executed, his supporters were also severely punished.

Since the second half of the 30s. Anna Ioannovna is less and less involved in government affairs. She often lost her temper when they bothered her with papers. But her craving for entertainment, her passion for luxury blossomed in full bloom. Balls, masquerades, gala lunches and dinners for any occasion, illuminations and fireworks replaced each other. And in between entertainments, the empress either spent time with her favorite, or played cards in her chambers, listened to storytellers and simply skilled storytellers, whom she had a passion for. Often she took a gun and shot directly from the windows of her room at the birds sitting on the branches. We must give her credit: Anna Ioannovna was an excellent shooter.

Meanwhile, the country plunged into the abyss of ruin. The treasury was plundered and depleted. The maintenance of the court and the payment for all entertainment and eccentricities required five to six times more money than under Peter I. At times, civil servants and the army were no longer paid.

The people, oppressed by taxes, became even more impoverished. But no one cared. Moreover, in the mid-30s, trying to maintain the position of a great power and satisfy the ambitions of Anna Ioannovna, her favorite and her inner circle, Russia got involved in wars with Poland and Turkey, which further undermined financial position countries.

The war with Poland broke out after the death of King August II, the Russian protege on the Polish throne, when France, Sweden and Turkey tried to place Stanislaw Leszczynski on the Polish throne. He has long been known for his hatred of Russia. Now his supporters sought to prevent the son of the late king, Augustus III, from establishing himself in Poland. Soon the Russian corps, with the support of Austria, invaded Poland. The reason was nothing less than “defense of the Polish constitution.”

The Russians captured Warsaw and moved on to Gdansk. Augustus III received the Polish crown, and weakening Poland remained politically dependent on Russian Empire.

And immediately the Russian units began to prepare for a march to the south. The war with Turkey began. The reason for it was the intensified struggle between the two powers over Transcaucasia and the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, captured by Peter I from Persia. In addition, Russia has long been nurturing plans for the return of Azov, access to the Black Sea shores and the Balkans. Prut disaster of 1711 dispelled these dreams. But Russian politicians did not forget about this. And now, it seems, the opportune moment has come.

Russia could not hold the southern shore of the Caspian Sea due to the distance, the unusual climate in which Russian soldiers were sick and dying, and the hostility of the local population. In the mid-30s. these territories were returned to friendly Persia, and soon Turkish troops invaded there. Russia could not tolerate such a strengthening of Turkey on its southern borders.

The military campaign against Turkey was led by Field Marshal Minich. A mediocre military leader, but an ambitious and ambitious man, he set out not only to defeat Turkey, but also to take Crimea from it.

This war dragged on for five years. Russian troops simultaneously attacked Azov and struck at Crimea. In the most difficult, hot marches, Minikh repeated the military campaigns of V.V. Golitsyn - the same huge losses, the same lack of water, the soldiers’ illnesses. But the result was different, because it was a different time, a different army.

During military campaigns, Russian troops captured Azov, crossed the Perekop Isthmus and broke into Crimea. The Khan's capital, Bakhchisarai, was captured and burned to the ground. In subsequent military operations, the Russians captured the strong fortress of Ochakov at the mouth of the Dnieper, and then reached the Prut and won a number of victories there.

Stunned, Türkiye sued for peace. But Russia no longer had the strength to continue the war. The results of the peace treaty were modest. Russia pledged to return all captured fortresses, but still retained Azov. And this became the beginning of a long and difficult struggle with Turkey for the possession of the shores of the Black Sea and Crimea.

Palace coups 40s At the turn of the 30-40s. XVIII century Russia was in a state of deep economic, political and moral crisis. The country's finances could not withstand the extravagance of the court, expensive and ineffective wars. The situation worsened due to the creation of a climate of fear, suspicion, denunciations and repression in the country. People didn't trust each other. The Empress stopped dealing with government affairs altogether. German dominance was felt more and more clearly. All this outraged a significant part of the Russian nobility not associated with Biron and his supporters. The guards officers, who were tired of obeying foreign commanders, were indignant.

The situation became more complicated due to the serious illness of Anna Ioannovna. The question of succession to the throne arose. Due to the fact that the empress had no offspring, she had to again choose heirs on the side... Anna Ioannovna settled on her niece's two-month-old son. This niece - Anna Leopoldovna - was the daughter of her sister and one of the German princes. She married the Duke of Brunswick Anton Ulrich. This couple, who already for a long time was found in Russia and lived under the care of Anna Ioannovna, a son, Ivan Antonovich (1740-1764), was born. It was he who was appointed by the empress as her successor. This was not done by accident. Firstly, Anna Ioannovna transferred the throne to her closest relatives along the line of Tsar Ivan, and not Peter, although there were heirs along the Peter line - his daughter Elizabeth (1709-1761) and the 12-year-old son of another daughter of Peter I, Anna Petrovna, who also bore the name of his grandfather - Peter. Secondly, Biron sought to maintain power in Russia and become a regent while an infant. It was he who insisted on the candidacy of Ivan Antonovich. He could become a full-fledged ruler, according to Anna Ioannovna’s will, only from the age of 17. Until that time, others had to run the country for him.

But, having decided on the heir, the sick Anna Ioannovna could not appoint a regent. Biron wanted to see himself as regent, and people close to him insisted on the candidacy of a favorite. But Anton Ulrich and Anna Leopoldovna had their own people at court. They, as parents, also claimed to participate in the regency. The Empress hesitated. She kept the will under her pillow and had no intention of dying.

And only when the doctor told her that her hours were numbered, she wrote Biron’s name in her will.

So a foreigner came to power in Russia, having nothing to do with either the dynasty or Russia. His emergence from the shadows bright light The political scene of Russia caused indignation, firstly, of the “Brunswick family” - the father and mother of the infant emperor. Secondly, other influential Germans, primarily Ostermann and Minich, opposed Biron’s rise. Thirdly, such a solution to the issue of succession to the throne outraged the Russian nobility and guard. Now it seemed that there would be no end to the dominance of the Germans in Russia. Thus, everyone united against Biron. His regency lasted only three weeks.

One night, 80 guardsmen led by Adjutant Minich approached the Summer Palace, where Biron lived with his family. They entered the house, disarmed the guards, who did not resist, and approached Biron’s bedroom.

That night the regent forgot to bolt the door, and a detachment of conspirators entered the room. The detachment commander called out to the sleeping Biron. He woke up, immediately understood everything and at first began to call for help and tried to hide under the wide bed. But he was dragged out of there. Biron resisted, but they tied his hands with a military scarf, put a gag in his mouth, then wrapped him in a blanket and threw him into a carriage. Soon the once all-powerful temporary worker was taken first to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, and from there in the morning he was sent to the Shlisselburg fortress, where many of the victims of the tsar’s favorite languished.

Anna Ioannovna Romanova
Russian Empress

Years of life: 1693-1740
Reign: 1730-1740

Second daughter of Ivan V Alekseevich (brother and co-ruler of Tsar Peter I) and Praskovya Fedorovna Saltykova, niece.

Anna Ioanovna short biography

At the age of 3, Anna was left without a father; she lived with her mother and sisters Ekaterina and Praskovya in the village of Izmailovo until she was fifteen years old. She studied history, reading, calligraphy, geography, foreign languages, dancing.

On October 31, 1710, she was given by her uncle Peter I in marriage to the Duke of Courland, Friedrich Wilhelm. This marriage was concluded with the aim of securing Russia's right to use the Courland (Baltic) ports. The wedding celebrations lasted for two months, during which time the newly-made husband Friedrich caught a cold and, having left with his wife for the capital of Courland, Mitava, died on January 9, 1711, 40 km from St. Petersburg. Despite the death of the Duke, Peter ordered Anna to live in Mitau and did not allow her to stay in Russia for a long time.

Conditions of Anna Ioanovna's reign

After her death, Anna was invited on January 25, 1730 to Russian throne by the Supreme Privy Council at the suggestion of V.L. Dolgorukov and D.M. Golitsyn. Believing that 37-year-old Anna Ioannovna had no supporters or connections in Russia, they made this decision.

According to the agreements, Anna Ivanovna agreed to rule the country only together with the Supreme Privy Council, and it was to become supreme body management. She did not have the right to make laws, impose taxes, manage the treasury, declare war or make peace. Without the approval of the members of the Council, she could not grant estates and ranks. Anna could not marry and appoint an heir to the throne without the consent of the Supreme Privy Council. If the conditions were not met, she was deprived of the crown.

Empress Anna Ioanovna

However, having come to power, Anna Ioannovna immediately dissolved the Supreme Privy Council (1730), restored the importance of the Senate, established the Cabinet of Ministers (1731), which included G. I. Golovkin, A. I. Osterman, A. M. Cherkassky. Church affairs were entrusted to Feofan Prokopovich. Next, the Office of Secret Investigation Cases was recreated, headed by A.I. Ushakov (the central body of political investigation).

Shortly before the coronation, Anna Ioannovna issued a manifesto on the nationwide oath to the heir appointed by the empress. On April 28, 1730, in Moscow, in the Assumption Cathedral, Feofan Prokopovich performed the wedding and anointing of Empress Anna to the throne.

During the reign of Anna Ivanovna, the decree on single inheritance was canceled (1731), the Gentry Cadet Corps was established (1731), and the service of nobles was limited to 25 years. Anna's inner circle included for the most part foreigners (E. I. Biron, K. G. Levenwolde, B. X. Minich, P. P. Lassi). Under Anna, the ruler, the chamberlain Ernest-Johann Biron had enormous influence on the course of state affairs - favorite of Anna Ioanovna until the end of life.

The years of Anna Ioanovna's reign - Bironovschina

“Bironovschina,” which personified political terror, embezzlement, disrespect for Russian traditions, and debauchery of morals, became one of the dark pages in Russian history. Pursuing a pro-noble policy, Anna Ioannovna was irreconcilable with manifestations of noble opposition. Anna did not forgive Golitsyn and Dolgoruky for their speeches in January - February 1730 and were later imprisoned, exiled, and executed.

In 1740, Anna Ivanovna and her entourage dealt with the cabinet minister L.P. Volynsky and his followers, who sought to limit the influence of foreigners on the domestic and foreign policy of Russia.

During Anna's reign, the army under the leadership of B.X. Minich carried out military reform, the Izmailovsky and Horse Guards regiments were formed.
In 1733 - 1735 Russia contributed to the establishment of the Elector of Saxony, Stanislaus Augustus (August III), on the Polish throne. The war with Turkey (1735 - 1739) ended with the Peace of Belgrade, which was unfavorable for Russia.

The successes of Anna Ioanovna's politics

By order of Empress Anna, construction and casting began in the Kremlin
Tsar Bell: Architect I.F. Michurin drew up the first Moscow plan in Russian history, focused on streamlining urban development. To control gain customs control The Kompaneisky Val was founded around Moscow. In 1732, a decree was issued on the installation of glass lanterns in Moscow, thereby marking the beginning of street lighting in the city. In 1732, the Peter and Paul Cathedral was consecrated by her.

In 1732, Anna ordered the opening of the 1st Cadet Corps, which prepared nobles for military and public service, but at the same time in 1736 she limited the compulsory nature of this service to 25 years. The nobles were given the right to receive education at home and only periodically “appear at shows and undergo examinations.” Anna Ioannovna considered it harmful to teach ordinary people to read and write, since “learning can distract them from menial work” (decree of 1735). By another decree on October 29, 1735, she prescribed the establishment of schools for the children of factory workers.

The successes of the foreign policy of Anna's reign in the 1730s. confirm trade agreements Russia with Spain, England, Sweden, China and Persia.
Anna 1 Ioannovna went down in history as a lover of “curiosities” (dwarfs and giants, strange animals and birds, fairy tales and witches), she really liked the jokes of jesters.

Judging by the surviving correspondence, Empress Anna Ioannovna was a classic type of landowner lady. She loved to gossip about the yard, personal life subjects, gathered around her many jesters who amused her. She was superstitious, enjoyed shooting birds, and loved bright clothes.

On August 12, 1740, the Empress’s niece, Anna Leopoldovna, who was married to Prince Anton-Ulrich of Brunswick in 1739, had a son, Ivan, whom the Empress declared heir to the Russian throne. And E.I. Biron was appointed his regent.

On October 17, 1740, Anna Ioannovna, at the age of 47, died of a “stroke” in St. Petersburg, and 2-month-old Ivan, under the regency of the Duke of Courland Biron, became the Russian sovereign Ivan VI Antonovich.

Doctors listed the cause of death as gout combined with stone disease. During the autopsy, a stone the size of a little finger was found in the kidneys, which was allegedly the main cause of death.

Anna Ioannovna was buried in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

In literature, her image is reflected in the novel “Word and Deed” by Valentin Pikul, “Prince Nikita Fedorovich” by M. N. Volkonsky, “Ice House” by I. I. Lazhechnikov.

Anna Ioannovna had no children.

After the death of Peter II, the Supreme Privy Council decided to invite Anna Ioannovna to rule the Russian Empire. She accepted the offer, returned to her homeland from the Duchy of Courland and became the Russian Empress.

Conditions of Anna Ioannovna

The Supreme Privy Council convinced Anna to sign the “Conditions,” which were essentially a document limiting the power of the monarch. The Empress lost the right to unilaterally accept following solutions: to start a war and conclude a peace treaty, establish taxes, grant estates, give ranks above colonel, distribute government funds, deprive a nobleman of property or execute him, marry, and also appoint an heir to the throne. This document significantly limited autocracy.

On January 19, 1730, Anna Ivanovna ascended the throne. Thanks to the support of some of the nobles and the guard, the empress tore up the “Conditions” and became an autocratic ruler.

Initially, Anna’s position was quite difficult: she lived abroad for several decades, so upon arrival she did not have supporters and allies whom she could completely trust. The first to support the empress were supporters of absolutism, as well as her closest relatives.

Restoration of the Senate

Anna planned to continue politics. On March 15 (4), 1730, by her decree, a manifesto was issued, in accordance with which the Supreme Privy Council was abolished. Anna organized the Senate in the same form in which it existed under Peter the Great.

On June 21 (1), the Senate was divided into five departments, each of which had its own specific area of ​​activity:

• finance;
• justice issues;
• affairs of the clergy;
• military affairs;
• issues of industry and trade.

There were 21 senators in total, among them were relatives of Anna Ivanovna: uncles Vasily Saltykov and Ivan Romodanovsky, son-in-law Ivan Dmitriev-Mamontov. It also included Prince Yuri Trubetskoy, who signed a petition requesting that the empress regain absolute power.

Cabinet of Ministers

In 1731, the Cabinet of Ministers was established, until that moment it acted as the personal secretariat of the head of state. It included A. I. Osterman, A. M. Cherkassky, G. I. Golovkin, and then A. P. Volynsky, A. P. Bestuzhev-Ryumin and P. I. Yaguzhinsky joined.

In the first year, Anna constantly attended their meetings, but already in next year I've only been there twice. Gradually, the functions and scope of the Cabinet of Ministers expanded, and now its members could issue laws and decrees. As a result, the Cabinet became more important than the Senate, which led to the second decline. On June 20 (9), 1735, a decree was issued, according to which the Senate submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.

Return of the Secret Investigation Office

In 1730, the Office of Secret Investigation Cases was organized, which replaced the Preobrazhensky Order, which existed under Peter I. This organization was headed by A. I. Ushakov. Anna was afraid of conspiracies against her, so the Office of Secret Investigative Affairs quickly gained strength. The methods and methods of investigation remained the same - denunciations, espionage and torture. Even ambiguous expressions could bring people under suspicion. During the reign of Anna Ioannovna, more than 20 thousand people were exiled, about 1 thousand people were executed, and in total more than 30 thousand people were subjected to repression and persecution.

Life of the nobles under Anna Ioannovna

In general, under Empress Anna Ioannovna, the position of the nobles improved.

In 1731, at the request of the nobles, Anna canceled the Decree on Single Inheritance. According to this normative act, which came into force under Peter I, two forms merged land ownership: estate and patrimony. The decree prohibited the alienation of real estate, although there were exceptions. All the lands of the nobleman were inherited by only one son.

Under Anna Ivanovna, the nobility regained the right to dispose of estates and divide them at their discretion among children. The owners were obliged to collect the poll tax from their serfs. They also had to monitor the behavior of their serfs and feed them in lean years.

In 1736, the Empress limited the service life of nobles to 25 years, whereas previously there had been indefinite service. In addition, one of the sons might not go into the service of the state if it was necessary to manage the estate.

Industry and trade

In 1730, an inventory of all protected forests owned by the state was compiled.

In 1734, there was a famine in the country, so Anna controlled the grain trade.

In 1736, factory workers, as well as members of their families, were assigned to factories indefinitely. As a result, civilian labor was replaced by serf labor.

In 1739, the Berg Regulations were issued. In accordance with this legislative act, the management structure of the mining area was changed. As a result, the tax burden of industrialists was reduced; they gave 2/3 of the copper they smelted to the state treasury, and sold the rest on the market. Taxes on supplies and food supplied to the plant were abolished.

The rights of domestic and foreign producers have become equal.

In addition, now the right to develop mineral resources was given not only to the owners of the estate, but also to those who were the first to find them. But the owners in any case made a profit from the production.

Church reform

Anna continued the policy of her predecessors of subordinating the church to the state.

In 1730, Anna issued a manifesto to the Synod, in which she demanded to maintain cleanliness Orthodox faith, a year later she issued an order to burn sorcerers. In 1738, execution for blasphemy was allowed.

During Anna's reign, new theological seminaries were opened in 16 cities of the Russian Empire. Anna allowed the construction of churches of other faiths, although before her the Russian Church forbade this.

Military and naval reform

The military reform was led by B. Kh. Minikh, he formed new guards regiments - Izmailovsky and Horse.

After the death of Peter I, shipbuilding decreased significantly: fewer ships were produced than were needed to support the staff. Having come to power, on August 1 (July 21), 1730, Anna Ivanovna issued a decree “On the maintenance of galley and ship fleets according to regulations and charters,” in accordance with which the empress demanded, despite peacetime, to keep the fleet in appropriate conditions.

In December 1731, exercises were resumed in the Baltic Fleet.

To assess the condition of the ship and galley fleets, the Military Maritime Commission was established in 1732, and A. I. Osterman became its chairman. This organization invited Anna to restore the Arkhangelsk port and the construction of warships on Solombala.

Bironovschina under Anna Ioannovna

Ernst Johann Biron was the favorite of Empress Anna Ivanovna, whose opinion she listened to. The concept of “Bironovschina” was associated with embezzlement and political terror. Biron was often accused of disrespect for Russian traditions, that he robbed the treasury, took away arrears, and also actively participated in the persecution of people suspected of conspiracies.

However, there is no evidence for this opinion. Despite the fact that Biron had a low opinion of the Russian people, he tried to maintain his popularity and therefore honored Russian rituals and traditions.

Anna ordered the execution of the Dolgoruky princes, who were executed, and A.P. Volynsky was also executed. The Office of Secret Investigation has become an incredibly influential organization.

The persecution of people was associated with the Germans who settled at court. As a result, this led to Biron being accused of these abuses.

Architecture and construction

By order of Anna, a small wooden palace was erected in the Moscow Kremlin, named after her - “Annengof”, where she lived. Later, in 1731, a summer wooden palace was built in Lefortovo - “Summer Annenhof”, the architect of which was V.V. Rastrelli, and a park was laid out behind the building. It was used for all kinds of events, balls and masquerades.

In 1730, Anna Ivanovna ordered the broken Grigoriev bell to be recast, metal added to it and a new bell created. As a result, on November 25, 1735, at the Cannon Yard, masters Ivan and his son Mikhail Motorin cast the Tsar Bell.