Charles Peter Ulrich, born in 1728 in Kiel, served as Emperor of all the Russias for exactly 186 days during 1762. As the son of Duke Charles Frederick of Holstein-Gottorp and Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna, he occupied a complex position within the Romanov dynasty, eventually becoming the Head of the House of Romanov before his abrupt removal from power.
Ascension and Early Transitions
The transition to the Russian throne followed the death of his maternal aunt, Empress Elizabeth, in early 1762. Previously, the youth had been proclaimed heir presumptive to the Russian throne in 1742 after moving from Germany. His path to power involved converting from Lutheranism to the Russian Orthodox Church, taking the name Pyotr Feodorovich. His title included the mandatory designation of being the grandson of Peter the Great, a requirement that underscored his legitimacy within the Russian Empire.
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In 1745, he entered into a marriage with Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, who adopted the Orthodox name Catherine Alexeievna. The couple had one son, Paul Petrovich, and a daughter named Anna Petrovna, who lived from 1757 to 1759. Historians have debated the nature of their relationship during their sixteen-year residency in Oranienbaum, particularly following his survival of a severe bout of smallpox which left lasting marks on his physical appearance.
Foreign Policy and Military Reform
During his brief reign, he shifted Russia's alignment in the Seven Years' War. By signing a peace treaty with Prussia on 5 May 1762, he reversed previous Russian military gains and established an alliance with Frederick II of Prussia. This policy shift included the transfer of 12,000 Russian troops to support Prussian forces. These decisions remained subjects of historical scrutiny regarding their impact on the stability of his governance.
Deposition and Final Days
On 9 July 1762, Catherine II successfully orchestrated a palace coup that overthrew his administration. Following his removal, he was held at Ropsha, where he died shortly thereafter on 17 July 1762. While the official government report attributed his death to hemorrhoids, this explanation faced significant skepticism from contemporaries like Voltaire and d'Alembert. He was eventually interred at the Peter and Paul Cathedral, though his final resting place is also associated with the Alexander Nevsky Lavra and the Annunciation Church of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
Fast facts
- Born: 1728, Kiel
- Died: 1762, Ropsha
- Emperor of all the Russias: 1762
- Religion: Russian Orthodox Church
- Spouse: Catherine II
- Child: Paul Petrovich
- Key Alliance: Prussia
- Burial Site: Peter and Paul Cathedral
Questions readers ask
How long was the reign of Peter III?
He served as Emperor for 186 days, from 5 January 1762 until 9 July 1762.
What was the official cause of death reported by the government?
The government stated he died from hemorrhoids, a cause widely doubted by contemporary critics.
Achievements
- Emperor of all the Russias (1761–1762)
- Head of the House of Romanov
- Order of the Black Eagle
- Order of the White Eagle
- Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky
- Order of St. Andrew
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