Peter II of Russia
Peter II Alexeyevich arrived in Saint Petersburg on the 23rd of October 1715. His mother Charlotte Christine of Brunswick-Lüneburg died just ten days after his birth. The boy's father, Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich, faced treason charges from his own father Peter the Great and died in prison during 1718. Three-year-old Peter and his four-year-old sister Natalya became orphans overnight. Their grandfather showed no interest in their upbringing or education. The Tsar had disliked their father and even their grandmother, his first wife. Young Peter reminded him of his only son Alexei whom he suspected of treachery. From childhood onward the orphaned boy lived under strictest seclusion. His earliest governesses were wives of a tailor and a vintner from the Dutch settlement. A sailor named Norman taught him rudiments of navigation. When he grew older a Hungarian noble named Janos Zeikin took over his care.
Catherine I died in May 1727 leaving the eleven-year-old Peter as emperor. Alexander Menshikov moved the young autocrat into his house on Vasilievsky Island immediately. He held full control over all actions for several months that summer. The Saxon ambassador noted not even Peter the Great was so feared or obeyed. Menshikov issued orders to the Emperor himself then removed a silver plate given as a gift to his sister Natalya. The Emperor replied We shall see who is emperor you or I. Soon Menshikov fell ill and opponents exploited his weakness. Under influence of Ostermann and the Dolgorukovs Peter stripped him of rank in September 1727. The Emperor exiled Menshikov to Siberia shortly after. He also dissolved his engagement with Menshikov's daughter Maria. German mathematician Christian Goldbach replaced Andrey Osterman as tutor to the young Peter II.
Prince Aleksey Dolgorukov and his son Ivan became main favorites after Menshikov's fall. They maintained great influence over the Emperor's decisions according to contemporaries. Ivan Dolgorukov lived a reckless and profligate lifestyle leading Peter II to spend much time feasting. The monarch played cards and enjoyed company of women while becoming addicted to alcohol. Foreign witnesses proclaimed All of Russia is in terrible disorder money is not paid to anyone during early 1728. Everyone steals as much as he can they reported. Moving court institutions from St. Petersburg back to Moscow caused pain for the Northern Capital. Peter gradually fell under thorough-going influence of the Dolgorukovs. He became smitten with eighteen-year-old beauty Ekaterina Alekseyevna Dolgorukova. The family schemed to tie themselves to imperial bloodline persuading Peter to become engaged. Planning for wedding went forward despite lack of interest from the young monarch perhaps influenced by aunt Elizabeth Petrovna who disliked Ekaterina.
In late December 1729 Peter II fell dangerously ill before Epiphany Day feast. His condition deteriorated sharply after participating in celebration then frosty weather. Doctors rushed him into Lefortovo palace standing at back of sleigh next day. They diagnosed smallpox following examination of symptoms. Dolgorukovs attempted to get emperor to sign testament naming Ekaterina as heir but were denied entry. Peter was already unconscious when they arrived at dying quarters. In delirium he ordered horses to visit sister Natalya who had died in 1728. A few minutes later he died on dawn breaking the 30th of January 1730. That date marked scheduled wedding to Ekaterina Dolgorukova. He is buried in Cathedral of Archangel located at Moscow Kremlin. Only post-Petrine Russian monarch received that
honor alongside Ivan VI murdered and buried in fortress of Shlisselburg. Direct male line of Romanov dynasty ended with his death. Cousin Anna Ivanovna daughter of Peter the Great's half-brother succeeded him on throne.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When did Peter II of Russia die?
Peter II of Russia died on the 30th of January 1730. He passed away in the early morning hours after contracting smallpox while suffering from a fever following an Epiphany Day celebration.
Who succeeded Peter II of Russia as emperor?
Cousin Anna Ivanovna daughter of Peter the Great's half-brother succeeded him on throne. Her succession marked the end of the direct male line of Romanov dynasty which had ruled since Peter the Great.
What caused the death of Peter II of Russia?
Doctors diagnosed smallpox following examination of symptoms that appeared after he participated in a celebration during frosty weather. His condition deteriorated sharply and he became unconscious before dying at dawn on the 30th of January 1730.
Where was Peter II of Russia buried?
He is buried in Cathedral of Archangel located at Moscow Kremlin. This burial site made him the only post-Petrine Russian monarch to receive that honor alongside Ivan VI who was murdered and buried in fortress of Shlisselburg.
Which family gained control over Peter II of Russia after Alexander Menshikov fell from power?
Prince Aleksey Dolgorukov and his son Ivan became main favorites after Menshikov's fall. They maintained great influence over the Emperor's decisions according to contemporaries while Ivan Dolgorukov lived a reckless lifestyle leading Peter II to spend much time feasting.