Peter III. - Tsar and Emperor

Czar Peter III. on February 21, 1728 was born the son of a duke and Anna Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great in Kiel. At that time there were in Russia, the Empress Elizabeth I.. Because she was childless herself, was looking for a successor. His election was the son of his sister, Friedrich Karl Ulrich, who renamed in Piotr Fedorovich.Weak spirit in a weak body Peter III. was often ill and remained so their parents until their seventh year at home. Finally, they worried that might soften and underwent military training. At eleven he was in charge of a strict guardian. The result: Peter neurosis, was constantly angry, stubborn and argumentative.

Alcohol trend
1743 Empress Elizabeth, Peter took him to Russia and the Grand Duke. She converted to Orthodox faith and tried to educate as ruler. That proved to be difficult. She was surprised by the rudeness of Peter and schizophrenic mood. Then there was that Peter organized violent drunk. The official excuse was: "Russia is the hot and cold vodka ...".

One of the reasons for the marriage
As Peter's wife, Empress Catherine II had chosen. On August 21, 1745, married in St. Petersburg (who just turned 16, was a year older). Catherine and Peter could not be more different. She was very beautiful, but ugly, had during his years of commitment, Pedro had the smallpox and was disfigured by the unsightly scars.

Catherine was curious, intelligent and mentally active, while Peter was mentally retarded and was more like an adult child. Playing with dolls, puppets and toy soldiers. His addiction to alcohol became stronger, so he got drunk almost every day.

The new czar divided the nation
In December 1761 it was clear that the Empress Elizabeth die. Catherine was now under pressure from all sides to avoid that Peter comes to power. But Catherine did not enter into any conspiracy, so Peter III ascended. on January 5, 1762 the throne. There followed a period when in fact the bold reforms, including partial removal of serfdom led by wanted to take, but on the other hand, wars, gathered all his army against him. Also continued to drink, Katharina most brutal treatment and had a lover.

Catherine became the sole ruler
Over time, the rumors that have been stronger than the divorce of Catherine and Peter make your lover leave his wife. But Catherine had already been taken and held a separate conspiracy with influential men.

Escorted by two regiments of them could be the sole ruler of Russia proclaimed. More military and quickly ran towards it and train together to the Winter Palace. There, the Senate and the church announced on 9 July 1762 formally deposed and the throne of Catherine Peters.

Mysterious Death
Peter initially fled but returned again unable to reach a decision in his pleasure palace. On June 29, 1762 signed his abdication. He was in Ropscha, located 24 kilometers from the prison of St. Petersburg. There was Peter III. 17 July 1762 killed in mysterious circumstances. What role was played by the new Tsarina, was never resolved. 02.20.2003-sw / update: 29.04.09