The Rise of Russia

[TheButterflyComposer]

The UK and Prussia are rhe ones to benefit from Russia then. Entirely unsurprising but not good news for the rest of the world. The main superpower now doesn't really care about Europe at all, so long as nobody tries to unify it all. And Prussia is now on the path to greatness...

 

[Midnite Duke]

Peter 'the not so great' indirectly aids the American Revolution. Thank you for the update

 

[HistoryDude]

The UK and Prussia are rhe ones to benefit from Russia then. Entirely unsurprising but not good news for the rest of the world. The main superpower now doesn't really care about Europe at all, so long as nobody tries to unify it all. And Prussia is now on the path to greatness...

Yep. Meaning Russia is indirectly responsible for a lot of colonial events and also a great many world events in general.

Peter 'the not so great' indirectly aids the American Revolution. Thank you for the update

Indeed. You're welcome.

To all: I was on vacation this past week, so sorry about the lack of updates.

 

[HistoryDude]

Right, so we’re going to take a brief detour from the subject of Peter III and his reign. A brief look into what is to come.

First of all, Catherine is going to overthrow her husband. This was probably inevitable, but we’ll get to why that is later, although enough information has been provided that it should be somewhat obvious. We’ve already covered the extent of Catherine’s ambition.

Anyway, Catherine is quite an interesting character in her own right, but we aren’t covering her personal life or her reign yet, either. Instead, we’re going to be talking about perhaps one of the greatest events in the entirety of the eighteenth century. This event - or, rather, this series of events - destroyed a sovereign nation and heavily expanded the extent of Russian dominion. These events were the Partitions of Poland, and there were three of them.

While Russia was one of the nations doing the partitioning, it wasn’t really a driving force behind the idea of partitioning Poland. That was Prussia, and it was mainly based on pragmatism, as Catherine was close to the ruler of Poland. Prussia - and, to a lesser extent, Austria - was worried that Russia would soon annex all of Poland. They couldn’t allow this to happen. It would be a disaster of the highest kind. It would completely change the European balance of power in Russia’s favor. However, Russia was a powerful nation. The two German states would very much like to avoid annoying it. The solution to this dilemma was simple - give Russia part of Poland and take some for themselves. None of the three empires cared that this was a blatant power grab.

To be fair, Poland was on the verge of collapse anyway. In 1730, Prussia, Austria, and Russia signed a secret agreement to ensure that the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth wouldn’t change. This worked for a short while, but it didn’t last. Poland-Lithuania allowed Russia access to their land to attack Prussia during the Seven Years’ War, and Frederick the Great retaliated by screwing up their economy.

In 1767, Catherine effectively forced her will upon Poland-Lithuania. Policies that allowed blatant foreign interference in Polish affairs were protected under a new constitution, as was toleration of certain religions and the guarantee of certain rights. This didn’t sit well with many Poles, who effectively revolted.

The result was the War of the Confederation of Bar, where many Poles attempted to drive out the Russians, who they presumably viewed as occupiers. It might’ve been an early instance of nationalism on their part.

The revolting Poles made foreign alliances, particularly with the Ottoman Empire, but it wasn’t enough. It was this defeat, more than anything else, that made Prussia and Austria consider partitioning Poland.

And so the backdrop was set for Russia to annex more territory and expand their Baltic lands.

 

[RustyHunter]

Poor Poland's troubles are only beginning...

 

[HistoryDude]

The first partition of Poland occurred in 1772. The most cause of this was jealousy - Austria had grown envious of Russian power and success, and they were even considering war. Prussia didn’t want that because it might disturb the balance of power - which could harm them - and Russia didn’t particularly want war. France was a neutral mediator, as they also had an interest in keeping the balance of power.

Prussia and Austria began annexation of Poland’s borders in 1769. It was not until August 1772 that military forces were sent into the regions of Poland that the partitioners had agreed were now theirs. The Bar Confederation, a group of revolting Poles that I have already covered, were still at large during this time, and it was only after that they were finally crushed by the powers.

It was only after the territory had been occupied and resistance crushed that the three partitioners attempted to make their actions legal. They “asked” the Sejm and King of Poland to approve their changes, which they did, but this was only a rubber stamp.

To be fair, Poland didn’t fold quietly. The King did request aid from Western Europe, but none came. No foreign help was coming, and Warsaw had fallen to Russian, Austrian, and Prussian forces. The king didn’t really have a choice and neither did the Sejm. This was made clear when protesting members of the Sejm were arrested, and some were sent to Siberia.

For Russia, this wasn’t a large gain - the territories gained were poor economically, although they were vast. However, the partition was still likely useful as propaganda. There is no evidence that Catherine used it in that way, but it wouldn’t be difficult to do so. The lands gained included much of the areas of the Kievan Rus that had since fallen away from Russian control. The lands gained were also mostly Lithuanian, not Polish - and Lithuania and the Duchy of Muscovy, Russia’s predecessor state, were ancient enemies. Their enmity had been caused by conflict over much of the lands of the Kievan Rus. Catherine could claim that she had, at long last, reunited the lands of the Sons of Rurik.

Admittedly, there’s no evidence that she did this, but there’s no evidence that she didn’t, either. It’s probable that the land gains improved her popularity even without outright state propaganda, though - victory and territorial gain has a way of doing that to nations… especially empires.

 

[HistoryDude]

Poor Poland's troubles are only beginning...

Yep. Things don't go well for them right before Victoria's timeframe.

 

[Midnite Duke]

How many magic mushrooms does one need to find a fantasy world where Western Europe fails to aid Poland and Polish dissidents are sent to Siberia for re-education? Thank you for the update, though the Germans and Russians would NEVER abuse poor Poland,

 

[HistoryDude]

By 1790, Poland was so weak that it had Prussia, with whom it didn’t really get along. A new constitution was created for Poland in an attempt to strengthen the nation. It introduced greater political equality between nobility and commoners and placed peasants under the government’s authority.

The new system set up by the Poles was very similar to the United States Constitution, interestingly, although this is probably a case of using similar sources. Poland was made into a monarchic republic where the objections of a single delegate couldn’t the Sejm, and the government was divided into executive, legislative, and judiciary branches.

Poland’s neighbors naturally disliked this for many reasons. For one, Poland’s neighbors were (mostly absolute) monarchies who feared republican influence. Prussia broke their new alliance with Poland over the Constitution, and Russia was annoyed, likely at the loss of influence. Even Poles disliked the Constitution - they formed the Targowica Confederation with Catherine’s support.

War broke out in 1792. Even if Poland had been a mostly functioning and united nation, it’s unlikely that it could defeat both Prussia and Russia. And Poland wasn’t united and, indeed, had a history of division. The fact that Prussia broke its alliance with Poland after war was declared only created more confusion. The war didn’t even last a single summer.

Part of the reason that Russia had to agree to a partition was due to other events in Europe. Prussia had recently been defeated at Valmy in France, and they wanted compensation in exchange for backing out of the First Coalition. Russia accepted this deal, despite its nature as blackmail.

The Second Partition was approved by the Grodno Sejm, which was the last sejm Poland ever had. It was also infamous for accepting bribes. Russia annexed lands that were mostly legally Lithuanian and used to belong to the Kievan Rus, such as Minsk and Kiev. Prussia gained Polish land, including Danzig.

After the Second Partition, Poland was effectively a Russian puppet state, bereft of any glory that it might have had. The members of the Targowica Confederation and the king both lost a lot of prestige for this, as they weren’t expecting another partition. Lack of popularity for the status quo soon grew.

The success of the French Revolution did nothing to quell this - indeed, it encouraged it. The people of Poland quickly turned against Prussia and Russia. On March 24, 1794, a man named Tadeusz Kościuszko seized control of the military and led them against the occupiers. Neither Catherine nor the Prussian King, Frederick William II, liked this, and they were quick to respond, crushing the revolt, but not before they won a few victories.

Representatives from Austria (which didn’t want to be left out of the Third Partition like they were excluded from the Second), Russia, and Prussia met to discuss the end of Poland-Lithuania. On January 26, 1797, they signed a treaty to finally finish partitioning Poland. Austria got Western Galicia and Southern Masovia. Prussia got the rest of Masovia, Podlachia, and Warsaw (not that they managed to keep it). Russia got everything else.

However, the representatives were feeling vindictive. They didn’t bother legalising their actions with a Polish representative, and the King of Poland was made to abdicate and live as Catherine’s prisoner in St. Petersburg. However, even that wasn’t enough - the representatives attempted to erase Poland’s very name from history. That didn’t turn out very well in the long run, though.

 

[HistoryDude]

How many magic mushrooms does one need to find a fantasy world where Western Europe fails to aid Poland and Polish dissidents are sent to Siberia for re-education? Thank you for the update, though the Germans and Russians would NEVER abuse poor Poland,

Right...

To ALL: Sorry about the lack of an update Saturday. After this, we should be returning to Russian royal shenanigans.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Poor Poor Poland! Thank you for updating

 

[RustyHunter]

Very interesting, and it just makes Poland's centuries of struggle even more depressing.

 

[HistoryDude]

Almost as soon as Peter III was crowned, there were plots hatched to cast him down and put his wife up in his place. Catherine herself certainly wanted this outcome, but it’s worth examining why anybody supported her. For one thing, sexism might’ve played into it. Women were viewed as weaker than men in those ages, especially in matters of politics. This was a problem during the reign of the first Catherine, if you remember. It is likely that nobles saw a female monarch as easier to manipulate.

Of course, Catherine the Great was also famous for her many lovers (although a horse probably wasn’t one of them). These would’ve supported her for the power they stood to gain in the new regime.

In addition, many nobles liked Catherine’s policies, but they didn’t like Peter, who was ostensibly the one issuing them. However, they were Catherine’s policies, and many nobles knew that, which meant that they had nothing to lose from Peter being overthrown. Some likely had a lot to gain.

Even foreign powers didn’t see Peter retaining the throne of Russia for too long. Frederick the Great of Prussia, who had won a war due to the ascension of Peter III, foresaw that the chances of him retaining the throne were slim. He ordered the Prussian ambassador to show Catherine the utmost respect.

Peter III didn’t help his own case much either. He had many mistresses and was frequently drunk. Sometimes, he would leave the entire administration of Russia in Catherine’s hands, but he would also often treat her with contempt.

Catherine, by probably deliberate contrast, held her court with dignity, despite her personal feelings. This earned her many friends and admirers. She respected religion and frequently prayed and treated the poor well, as well as publicly respected the clergy.

Peter III, meanwhile, was busy being an idiot again. He agreed to divorce Catherine and marry one of his mistresses, making her empress. She wasn’t very smart in handling that either, as she boasted about it. Those who would benefit from her rule began plotting to put her on the throne, and Catherine’s supporters plotted against them.

On July 8th, Catherine and her conspirators put their plan into action. Catherine woke early and traveled from her summer residence to St. Petersburg, where she appealed to the army for help. They agreed, and most of St. Petersburg also supported Catherine.

She went to the church, where the archbishop crowned her empress of all the Russias. She then went to the palace, which was opened to all, and most of the people of St. Petersburg swore allegiance to her there.

Meanwhile, her allies and friends were preparing the capital for a defensive battle. Most expected Peter III to attempt to retake the capital of Russia and undo this bloodless coup. No one even bothered to inform Peter III of what was going on.

 

[HistoryDude]

Poor Poor Poland! Thank you for updating

Poor Poland, indeed.

Very interesting, and it just makes Poland's centuries of struggle even more depressing.

Yep. Although, to be fair, they did have a period where they were doing really well, it just isn't what anyone remembers. The PLC was actually very powerful in its early years. Of course, all anyone remembers is the more modern Poland, where they got partitioned, were stuck in a perpetual person union with Russia, lost their sovereignty again, got their sovereignty back after World War I, got invaded and partitioned (again) by the Nazis and Soviets, and then were stuck as a communist vassal of the USSR.

 

[Midnite Duke]

When replacing wife, one should first check as to which party has more power. Live Peter stopped his Russian troops from taking Berlin, Dead Peter stopped German troops from taking Leningrad, or so goes the legend. Thank you for the update

 

[RustyHunter]

I had no idea this was how Catherine rose to power! I had assumed her husband died and left her as his heir, not that there was effectively a coup. Thanks for expanding my knowledge!

 

[HistoryDude]

Eventually, however, messengers did inform Peter III that his wife had disappeared. He knew that this was a bad thing, apparently, but didn’t foresee why. Many in his retinue did, but they didn’t inform him for fear of alarming him further. A messenger handed him a note with the news, and so Peter reacted.

His reactions weren’t very effective. His chancellor went to St. Petersburg in an attempt to talk supporters of the tsar into launching a counterrevolution, but no one listened to him. Peter made many plans, but he couldn’t keep to any of them. He was too indecisive.

Ultimately, the choice was made for him. Catherine sent her troops to arrest her husband, and Peter III was convinced that he should make a stand at Cronstadt, which guarded the entrance to the Russian capital. However, Catherine was ahead of him in her plans, and she had already taken Cronstadt. When Peter arrived, he was refused entrance to the fort.

The former tsar’s advisors wanted him to take a stand. Peter III refused to challenge Cronstadt’s garrison and retreated into the water. Still, all wasn’t lost to Peter III. On the Gulf of Finland, there was a fleet at Revel, and his advisors wanted him to join them. From there, they were to go to Pomerania and attack Russia from there. This plan might’ve worked, although it could have been spun as a foreign invasion by Catherine, especially if Peter enlisted the aid of foreign powers like the Prussians he so admired. Still, this plan never even got attempted due to the tsar’s indecisiveness.

Peter's other advisors advised caution and reconciliation… and he attempted this as well. He confessed his faults to Catherine and promised to share sovereign authority with her.

Catherine didn’t trust her husband’s word one bit. She resolved to ignore his letter and press onward against him. This information reached Peter, and he was a coward. He disguised himself and resolved to escape to Poland.

For Peter, things got even worse. He was a very indecisive man, and he changed his mind about facing his wife. He ordered one of his fortresses (Oranienbaum) dismantled in order to convince her that he meant to come quietly. He also wrote another letter to her, surrendering to her in a most humiliating manner. He offered to hand Russia’s crown in exchange for his life and a pension with which to live in his native Holstein.

That wasn’t enough for Catherine, who wished for an unconditional surrender. She got it quickly. He was allowed to remain Duke of Holstein, although he lost all of Russia. He was imprisoned in the palace. The coup was complete. Peter III had lost all of Russia, and the throne was lost to him and all of his progeny in all likelihood. It’s unclear whether Catherine’s successor was actually her son with Peter - this was claimed, but it seems unlikely. He had reigned for a meager six months.

 

[HistoryDude]

When replacing wife, one should first check as to which party has more power. Live Peter stopped his Russian troops from taking Berlin, Dead Peter stopped German troops from taking Leningrad, or so goes the legend. Thank you for the update

Yep. Especially if your marriage was due to politics.

I had no idea this was how Catherine rose to power! I had assumed her husband died and left her as his heir, not that there was effectively a coup. Thanks for expanding my knowledge!

You're welcome! Glad I could do so!

 

[Midnite Duke]

Catherine is always two steps ahead and then Peter changes his mind to fall further behind. Thank you for the update

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Well...that's one way to explain the AI...