How did Elizabeth come to power?
Catherine I was succeeded by Peter II (the last direct male heir of the Romanov line), Catherine I, also signed for her daughters Anna and Elizabeth to become heir if Peter II was unfit to rule. Peter II at age 15 died un-expectantly resulting in Anna to become the ruler of Russia. On Empress Anna's deathbed, she designated her grandnephew, Ivan VI (1740-64), to be the heir. In November 1741, Elizabeth seized power and imprisoned Ivan VI for life.
Comparison:
Elizabeth I
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Catherine the Great
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Elizabeth and Catherine's relationship:
- Elizabeth and Catherine had meals together, they made gracious gestures to one another, and gave presents to one another as well
- Catherine praised Elizabeth's appearance and Elizabeth commended Catherine's religious observance and her well learnt Russian
- However, in their first conversation alone, Elizabeth verbally, and nearly physically, assaults Catherine for failing to produce an heir