Empress Elizabeth of Russia played a pivotal role in the Seven Years’ War, particularly in the conflict against Prussia. Her personal animosity towards Frederick the Great, combined with Russia’s strategic interests, led to a relentless pursuit of Prussia’s downfall, making her a formidable and deeply influential figure in shaping the course of this major European conflict.
Elizabeth’s Ascent and Aversion to Prussia
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna’s reign, which began with a successful coup in 1741, marked a significant shift in Russian foreign policy. Her early years on the throne were characterised by a desire to consolidate power and establish Russia as a major European player. While initially focused on internal reforms and cultural development, her attention gradually turned outwards as the geopolitical landscape of Europe became increasingly turbulent.
The Personal Edge to Political Rivalry
Elizabeth’s intense dislike for Frederick II of Prussia wasn’t merely a political stance; it was deeply personal. Frederick, known for his sharp wit and often cutting remarks, had made several disparaging comments about Elizabeth’s court and, more specifically, her legitimacy and lifestyle. These personal insults, particularly his thinly veiled jabs at her perceived lack of intellectual depth and her indulgent nature, festered in Elizabeth’s mind. She viewed him as arrogant and a threat to monarchical decorum, a sentiment that fueled her determination to see him humbled. This wasn’t just about statecraft; it was about wounded pride and a sense of justice.
Shifting Alliances and Russian Ambitions
Before the Seven Years’ War, Europe saw a complex dance of alliances. The War of the Austrian Succession had recently concluded, and while Russia had played a role, its influence wasn’t yet universally acknowledged. Elizabeth, advised by astute figures like Alexei Bestuzhev-Ryumin, saw Prussia’s rapid ascent under Frederick as a destabilising force. Frederick’s aggressive expansionism, particularly his seizure of Silesia from Austria, alarmed not just Vienna but also St. Petersburg. Russia had its own ambitions in Eastern Europe, particularly concerning Poland and the Ottoman Empire, and a strong, expansionist Prussia on its western border was viewed as a significant obstacle. Elizabeth’s government also had concerns about Prussia’s potential influence over Sweden, a traditional rival of Russia. The fear was that Prussia, in alliance with Sweden, could threaten Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea, a vital trade route and strategic lifeline. This strategic imperative, combined with Elizabeth’s personal animosity, laid the groundwork for Russia’s entry into the conflict.
Russia Joins the Anti-Prussian Coalition
The diplomatic machinations leading up to the Seven Years’ War were intricate, often dubbed the “Diplomatic Revolution.” Traditional alliances shifted dramatically, with Britain aligning with Prussia and France forging an alliance with its old enemy, Austria. Russia found itself drawn into the latter camp, largely due to Elizabeth’s unwavering resolve to curb Frederick’s power.
The Diplomatic Revolution and Russian Involvement
The catalyst for Russia’s formal entry into the anti-Prussian coalition was the Convention of Westminster in 1756, where Great Britain and Prussia agreed to protect Hanover (a British possession) from foreign invasion. This agreement, while ostensibly defensive, was seen by Austria and France as a betrayal and a threat to the existing balance of power. For Elizabeth, it was further proof of Frederick’s aggressive intent. Russia, already bound by defensive treaties with Austria, saw an opportunity to act. The Russian court, influenced by Elizabeth’s strong anti-Prussian sentiments, began to actively seek a closer alliance with Austria and France.
Bestuzhev-Ryumin’s Strategic Vision
Chancellor Alexei Bestuzhev-Ryumin, a key advisor to Elizabeth, initially pursued a policy of cautious engagement, aiming to leverage Russia’s position without overcommitting. He understood the strategic implications of a powerful Prussia and advocated for policies that would limit its growth. However, Bestuzhev-Ryumin also faced internal opposition and eventually fell out of favour, partly due to his more measured approach compared to Elizabeth’s fervent desire for confrontation. Other figures, like Mikhail Vorontsov, who succeeded Bestuzhev-Ryumin, continued to push for an assertive stance against Prussia, aligning with Elizabeth’s personal vendetta. The motivation was clear: to dismantle Prussia’s growing military might and reduce it to a minor power, thereby securing Russia’s western flank and enhancing its prestige on the European stage.
Initial Military Engagements and Early Successes
Russia’s involvement began with the deployment of substantial forces to the Prussian border. The initial campaigns saw Russian armies, often fighting alongside Austrian forces, achieve significant victories. The Battle of Gross-Jägersdorf in 1757 was one such early success, where Russian forces under Field Marshal Stepan Apraksin decisively defeated a Prussian army. This victory, though not immediately followed up with further gains due to command hesitations and logistical issues, demonstrated Russia’s military capability and sent a clear message to Frederick. The Russian army, though often plagued by logistical challenges and internal squabbles among its commanders, proved to be a formidable opponent, capable of inflicting heavy losses on the highly disciplined Prussian forces. These early victories bolstered Elizabeth’s confidence in her decision to engage Prussia and strengthened her resolve.
The Long and Gruelling War: Russian Resilience
The Seven Years’ War was a brutal and protracted conflict, characterised by massive armies, devastating battles, and fluctuating fortunes. Russia, under Elizabeth’s unwavering guidance, remained a steadfast member of the anti-Prussian coalition, committing significant resources and manpower to the war effort.
The Battle of Zorndorf and Its Aftermath
One of the most savage engagements of the war involving Russian forces was the Battle of Zorndorf in August 1758. This battle, fought in Brandenburg, was a bloody affair with immense casualties on both sides. Frederick, leading his troops personally, attempted to encircle and destroy the Russian army commanded by Count William Fermor. While the Prussians claimed victory, the battle was largely a stalemate, with both armies suffering horrific losses. The Russian forces, despite their tactical shortcomings and heavy casualties, demonstrated remarkable resilience and tenacity, refusing to break and retreating in good order. This battle underscored the sheer brutality of the fighting and the determination of the Russian soldier. It also highlighted Frederick’s tactical genius but also his inability to deliver a decisive knockout blow against the Russians.
The Devastation of East Prussia
Throughout the war, East Prussia, Frederick’s ancestral homeland, bore the brunt of the Russian occupation and depredations. Russian armies, operating far from their supply lines, often resorted to foraging and pillaging to sustain themselves, leading to widespread destruction and suffering for the local populace. Königsberg, the capital of East Prussia, fell to Russian forces in 1758 and remained under Russian control for the remainder of the war. The occupation was harsh, with the inhabitants forced to swear allegiance to Elizabeth. This strategic gain was not just about territory; it was a psychological blow to Frederick and a demonstration of Russia’s ability to project power deep into Prussian territory. The long-term impact on East Prussia was profound, with significant population displacement and economic ruin.
The Battle of Kunersdorf: A Decisive Blow
The Battle of Kunersdorf in August 1759 stands as one of the most significant and devastating defeats for Frederick the Great. A combined Russian and Austrian army, under the command of General Pyotr Saltykov and Ernst Gideon von Laudon respectively, inflicted a crushing defeat on the Prussians. Frederick’s army was almost completely annihilated, and he himself narrowly escaped capture and even considered abdication. This victory sent shockwaves across Europe and brought Prussia to the brink of collapse. For Elizabeth, it was a moment of immense triumph, seemingly vindicating her steadfast opposition to Frederick. The battle showcased the effectiveness of combined arms tactics and the devastating power of the allied forces when working in concert. The sheer scale of the Prussian defeat at Kunersdorf was unprecedented, and it demonstrated that even Frederick, with all his military acumen, was not invincible.
The Occupation of Berlin and Near Collapse of Prussia
The aftermath of Kunersdorf created a critical juncture in the war, pushing Prussia to the brink of utter defeat. The path to Berlin lay open, and the Russian and Austrian forces seized the opportunity.
The Fall of Berlin
In October 1760, a joint force of Russian and Austrian troops marched on and occupied Berlin, the Prussian capital. This was a monumental event, marking the deepest penetration of allied forces into Prussia and delivering a severe blow to Prussian morale and prestige. While the occupation was relatively brief, lasting only a few days, it demonstrated the fragility of Frederick’s position and the extent of the damage inflicted on his kingdom. The occupation of Berlin was a strategic victory and a symbolic triumph for Elizabeth, proving that even Frederick’s capital was not beyond the reach of her armies. The city was subjected to requisitions and some pillaging, but largely spared the wholesale destruction that often accompanied such events. The primary goal was to humble Frederick and extract tribute, not necessarily to permanently hold the city.
Frederick’s Desperate Plight
Following Kunersdorf and the occupation of Berlin, Frederick’s situation was dire. He had lost vast numbers of his experienced troops, his treasury was depleted, and his kingdom was ravaged. He frequently contemplated suicide and believed his cause was lost. His letters from this period reveal a man on the edge, convinced that only a miracle could save him. His resilience, however, was legendary, and he continued to fight with grim determination, but the strains of war were taking their toll. The continued Russian pressure, combined with Austrian advances, made Frederick’s position increasingly untenable. He was running out of men, money, and options. His reliance on subsidies from Britain was crucial, but even those were insufficient to fully rebuild his shattered forces.
The Role of Diplomacy and Internal Strife
Throughout this period, diplomacy continued to play a crucial role. Various peace overtures were made, but Elizabeth remained steadfast in her demand for a complete humbling of Frederick. Her ministers, often driven by her strong anti-Prussian stance, ensured Russia remained committed to the war. However, within the Russian court, there were factions who favoured a less aggressive approach, either due to the immense cost of the war or concerns about the potential for French and Austrian dominance if Prussia were entirely destroyed. These internal debates, while never truly undermining Elizabeth’s resolve, highlight the complexities of decision-making within the Russian Empire during this period. The ongoing war also put immense strain on the Russian economy and its social fabric, leading to growing discontent among some segments of the population.
Elizabeth’s Demise and the “Miracle of the House of Brandenburg”
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Reign of Empress Elizabeth | 1741–1762 |
| War Involved | War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) |
| Opposing Nation | Kingdom of Prussia |
| Key Battles | Battle of Gross-Jägersdorf (1757) |
| Russian Military Strength | Approximately 200,000 troops |
| Outcome | Mixed results; Russia withdrew after heavy losses |
| Significance | Marked Russia’s emergence as a major European military power |
The tide of the Seven Years’ War was dramatically turned not by military genius or diplomatic breakthrough, but by the unexpected death of Empress Elizabeth. Her passing reshaped the geopolitical landscape and provided Frederick with a reprieve he could only have dreamed of.
Elizabeth’s Illness and Death
Empress Elizabeth, known for her vibrant personality and love of life, had been in declining health for some time. Her lifestyle, marked by indulgence and a lack of moderation, contributed to various ailments. In late 1761, her condition worsened significantly, and she passed away on 5 January 1762 (25 December 1761, Old Style). Her death, at a critical juncture in the war, was a profound event that sent shockwaves through the allied coalition and brought immense relief to Frederick. For Elizabeth, her personal mission to destroy Frederick went unfulfilled in her lifetime, but her legacy as a determined and influential monarch in the war against Prussia was firmly established.
Peter III’s Accession and His Admiration for Frederick
Elizabeth’s successor was her nephew, Peter III. Peter, a staunch admirer of Frederick the Great and all things Prussian, held completely different views on the war. He idolised Frederick, seeing him as a military genius and an enlightened monarch. Upon his accession, Peter immediately initiated a dramatic reversal of Russian foreign policy, much to the dismay of Russia’s allies, Austria and France. His personal admiration for Frederick outweighed any strategic considerations or treaty obligations. This sudden shift was nothing short of revolutionary and had immediate and profound consequences for the course of the war.
The Treaty of Saint Petersburg and Its Impact
Within weeks of ascending the throne, Peter III signed the Treaty of Saint Petersburg with Prussia in May 1762. This treaty not only ended Russia’s involvement in the war but also saw Russia return all its conquests, including East Prussia, without any territorial or financial compensation. Furthermore, Peter went a step further, offering to send Russian troops to fight alongside Frederick against his former allies. This astonishing reversal of alliances was a gift from heaven for Frederick, who famously referred to it as the “Miracle of the House of Brandenburg.” The treaty effectively saved Prussia from certain defeat. It allowed Frederick to reallocate his forces and concentrate on his remaining enemies, particularly Austria. While Peter III’s actions were seen as a betrayal by Russia’s former allies, they provided Prussia with the vital breathing space it desperately needed to recover and ultimately negotiate a favourable peace. The treaty significantly altered the balance of power and ensured that Prussia, though weakened, would survive as a major European power, a direct contradiction to Elizabeth’s lifelong ambition.
FAQs
1. Who was Empress Elizabeth of Russia?
Empress Elizabeth of Russia was the daughter of Peter the Great and ruled as Empress of Russia from 1741 until her death in 1762. She was known for her extravagant lifestyle and patronage of the arts.
2. What was the War Against Prussia?
The War Against Prussia, also known as the Seven Years’ War, was a conflict that lasted from 1756 to 1763. It involved most of the great powers of the time and was fought in Europe, North America, and other regions around the world.
3. How did Empress Elizabeth contribute to the War Against Prussia?
Empress Elizabeth of Russia allied with Austria and France against Prussia during the Seven Years’ War. She sent Russian troops to support the Austrian army in their fight against Prussian forces.
4. What was the outcome of the War Against Prussia for Empress Elizabeth?
Empress Elizabeth’s involvement in the War Against Prussia resulted in some territorial gains for Russia, particularly in Eastern Europe. However, the war also placed a significant strain on the Russian economy and military.
5. How did Empress Elizabeth’s death impact the War Against Prussia?
Empress Elizabeth’s death in 1762 led to the ascension of Peter III, who had a different approach to foreign policy. Peter III made peace with Prussia, ending Russia’s involvement in the war and shifting alliances in Europe.
