The Empire of Russia

In writing these histories of the monarchies of Continental Europe, the author has no wish to conceal his abhorrence of aristocratic usurpation. Believing in the universal brotherhood of man, his sympathies are most cordially with the oppressed masses. If the people are weak and debased, the claim is only the more urgent upon the powerful and the wise to act the part of elder brothers, holding out the helping hand to those who have fallen.Envoys Sent to Bring Him Back.--Alexis Excluded from the Succession.--His Trial for Treason.--Condemnation and Unexpected Death.--New Efforts of the Tzar for the Welfare of Russia.--Sickness of Peter.--His Death.--Succession of the Empress Catharine.--Epitaph to the Emperor. CHAPTER XXII. THE REIGN OF CATHARINE I., ANNE, THE INFANT IVAN AND ELIZABETH. From 1725 TO 1769. Energetic Reign of Catharine.--Her Sudden Death.--Brief Reign of Peter II.--Difficulties of Hereditary Succession.--A Republic Contemplated.--Anne, Daughter of Ivan.--The Infant Ivan Proclaimed King.--His Terrible Doom.--Elizabeth, Daughter of Peter the Great, Enthroned.--Character of Elizabeth.--Alliance with Maria Theresa.--Wars with Prussia.--Great Reverses of Frederic of Prussia.--Desperate Condition of Frederic.--Death of Elizabeth.--Succession of Peter III. CHAPTER XXIII. PETER III. AND HIS BRIDE. From 1728 TO 1762. Lineage of Peter III.-