<SPAN name="startofbook"></SPAN>
<p class="center"><!-- Page 3 --><SPAN name="Page_3" id="Page_3" ></SPAN>THE MONARCHIES</p>
<p class="center">OF</p>
<p class="center">CONTINENTAL EUROPE.</p>
<hr />
<h3>THE</h3>
<h2>EMPIRE OF RUSSIA</h2>
<h3>FROM THE</h3>
<h3>REMOTEST PERIODS TO THE PRESENT TIME.</h3>
<p class="center">BY</p>
<h3>JOHN S.C. ABBOTT</h3>
<p> </p>
<p class="center">BOSTON:</p>
<p class="center">GRAVES AND YOUNG,</p>
<p class="center">24 CORNHILL.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="smhead"><!-- Page 4 --><SPAN name="Page_4" id="Page_4" ></SPAN>
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by</p>
<p class="smhead">MASON BROTHERS,</p>
<p class="smhead">In the Clerk's office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="smhead">STEREOTYPED BY<br/>
T.B. SMITH & SON<br/>
82 & 84 BEEKMAN-ST</p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p> </p>
<p class="bighead"><!-- Page 5 --><SPAN name="Page_5" id="Page_5" ></SPAN>PREFACE.</p>
<p>The world is now too busy to read voluminous history. The interminable
details of battles, and the petty intrigues of courtiers and
mistresses, have lost their interest. In this volume it has been our
object to trace perspicuously the path which Russia has trod from
earliest infancy to the present hour. The career of this empire has
been so wild and wonderful that the historian can have no occasion to
call in the aid of fancy for the embellishment of his narrative.</p>
<p>The author has not deemed it necessary to incumber his pages with
notes to substantiate his statements. The renowned Russian historian,
Karamsin, who wrote under the patronage of Alexander I., gives ample
authentication to all the facts which are stated up to the reign of
that emperor. His voluminous history, in classic beauty, is
unsurpassed by any of the annals of Greece or Rome. It has been
admirably translated into French by Messrs. St. Thomas and Jauffret in
eleven imperial quarto volumes. In the critical citations of this
author, the reader, curious in such researches, will find every fact
in the early history of Russia, here stated, confirmed.</p>
<p>There are but few valuable works upon Russia in the English language.
Nearly all, which can be relied upon as authorities, are written
either in French or German. The writer would refer those who seek a
more minute acquaintance with this empire, now rising so rapidly in
importance, first of all to Karamsin. The "Histoire Philosophique et
Politique de Russie Depuis les Temps les Plus Reculés Jusqu'au Nos
Jours, par J. Esneaux," <!-- Page 6 --><SPAN name="Page_6" id="Page_6" ></SPAN>Paris, five volumes, is a valuable work. The
"Histoire de Russie par Pierre Charles Levesque," eight volumes, is
discriminating and reliable. The various volumes of William Tooke upon
Russian history in general, and upon the reign of Catharine, contain
much information.</p>
<p>It is only since the reign of Peter the Great that Russia has begun to
attract much attention among the enlightened nations of Europe.
Voltaire's life of this most renowned of the Russian sovereigns, at
its first publication, attracted much notice. Since then, many books
have been written upon fragments of Russian history and individual
reigns. From most of these the author has selected such events as have
appeared to him most instructive and best adapted to give the reader a
clear conception of the present condition and future prospects of this
gigantic empire. The path she has trod, since her first emergence into
civilization from the chaos of barbarism, can be very distinctly
traced, and one can easily count the concentric accretions of her
growth. This narrative reveals the mistakes which have overwhelmed her
with woe, and the wisdom which has, at times, secured for Russia peace
and prosperity.</p>
<p>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. The author feels grateful
for the reception which the first number of this series, the Empire of
Austria, has received from the American public. He hopes that this
volume will not prove less interesting or instructive. In the course
of a few months it will be followed by the History of Italy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="bighead"><!-- Page 7 --><SPAN name="Page_7" id="Page_7" ></SPAN>
CONTENTS.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">PARENTAGE AND BIRTH OF RUSSIA.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 500 B.C. to A.D. 910.</span> </p>
<p class="smcap">Primeval Russia.—Explorations of the Greeks.—Scythian
Invasion.—Character of the Scythians.—Sarmatia.—Assaults
Upon the Roman Empire.—Irruption of the Alains.—Conquests
of Trajan.—The Gothic invasion,—The Huns—their Character
and Aspect.—The Devastations of Attila.—The Avars.—Results
of Comminglings of these Tribes.—Normans.—Birth of the Russian
Empire—The Three Sovereigns Ruric, Sineous and Truvor.—Adventures
of Ascolod and Dir.—Introduction of Christianity.—Usurpation of
Oleg.—His Conquests.—Expedition Against Constantinople.</p>
<p class="heading"> <SPAN href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">GROWTH AND CONSOLIDATION OF RUSSIA.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 910 to 973.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Expedition to Constantinople.—Treaty with the Emperor.—Last Days of
Oleg.—His Death.—Igor Assumes the Scepter.—His Expedition to the
Don.—Descent Upon Constantinople.—His Defeat.—Second
Expedition.—Pusillanimity of the Greeks.—Death of Igor.—Regency of
Olga.—Her Character.—Succession of Sviatoslaf.—His Impiety and
Ambition.—Conquest of Bulgaria.—Division of the Empire.—Defeat,
Ruin and Death of Sviatoslaf.—Civil War.—Death of Oleg.—Flight of
Vladimir.—Supremacy of Yaropolk.</p>
<p class="heading"> <SPAN href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">REIGNS OF VLADIMIR, YAROSLAF, YSIASLAF AND VSEVOLOD.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 973 to 1092.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Flight of Vladimir.—His Stolen Bride.—The March Upon
Kief.—Debauchery of Vladimir.—Zealous Paganism.—Introduction of
Christianity.—Baptism in the Dnieper.—Entire Change in the Character
of Vladimir.—His Great Reforms.—His Death.—Usurpation of Sviatopolk
the Miserable.—Accession of Yaroslaf.—His Administration and
Death.—Accession of Ysiaslaf.—His Strange Reverses,—His
Death.—Vsevolod Ascends the Throne.—His Two Flights to
Poland.—Appeals to the Pope.—Wars, Famine and Pestilence.—Character
of Vsevolod.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 8 --><SPAN name="Page_8" id="Page_8" ></SPAN>
<SPAN href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">YEARS OF WAR AND WOE.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1092 to 1167.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Character of Vsevolod.—Succession of Sviatopolk.—His
Discomfiture.—Deplorable Condition of Russia.—Death of
Sviatopolk.—His Character.—Accession of Monomaque.—Curious Festival
At Kief.—Energy of Monomaque.—Alarm of the Emperor At
Constantinople.—Horrors of War.—Death of Monomaque.—His Remarkable
Character.—Pious Letter To His Children.—Accession of Mstislaf.—His
Short But Stormy Reign.—Struggles For the Throne.—Final Victory of
Ysiaslaf.—Moscow in the Province of Souzdal.—Death of
Ysiaslaf.—Wonderful Career of Rostislaf.—Rising Power of
Moscow.—Georgievitch, Prince of Moscow.</p>
<p class="heading"> <SPAN href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">MSTISLAF AND <span title="Standardized spelling from 'ANDRE' to 'ANDRÉ'" class="hov">ANDRÉ</span>.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1167 to 1212.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Centralization of Power At Kief.—Death of Rostislaf.—His Religious
Character.—Mstislaf Ysiaslavitch Ascends the Throne.—Proclamation of
the King.—Its Effect.—Plans of <span title="Standardized spelling from 'Andre' to 'André'" class="hov">André</span>.—Scenes At Kief.—Return and
Death of Mstislaf.—War in Novgorod.—Peace Concluded Throughout
Russia.—Insult of <span title="Standardized spelling from 'Andre' to 'André'" class="hov">André</span> and Its Consequences.—Greatness of Soul
Displayed By <span title="Standardized spelling from 'Andre' to 'André'" class="hov">André</span>.—Assassination of <span title="Standardized spelling from 'Andre' to 'André'" class="hov">André</span>.—Renewal of
Anarchy.—Emigration From Novgorod.—Reign of Michel.—Vsevolod
III.—Evangelization of Bulgaria.—Death of Vsevolod III.—His Queen
Maria.</p>
<p class="heading"> <SPAN href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE GRAND PRINCES OF VLADIMIR, AND THE INVASION
OF <span title="Corrected typo: was 'GHENGHIS KAHN'" class="hov">GENGHIS KHAN</span>.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1212 to 1238.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Accession of Georges.—Famine.—Battle of Lipetsk.—Defeat of
Georges.—His Surrender.—Constantin Seizes the Scepter.—Exploits of
Mstislaf.—Imbecility of Constantin.—Death of Constantin.—Georges
III.—Invasion of Bulgaria.—Progress of the Monarchy.—Right of
Succession.—Commerce of the Dnieper.—<span title="Corrected typo: was 'Ghenghis'" class="hov">Genghis</span>
Khan.—His Rise and Conquests.—Invasion of Southern Russia.—Death
of <span title="Corrected typo: was 'Ghenghis'" class="hov">Genghis</span> Khan.—Succession of
His Son Ougadai.—March of Bati.—Entrance into Russia.—Utter Defeat of the Russians.</p>
<p class="heading"> <SPAN href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE SWAY OF THE TARTAR PRINCES.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1238 to 1304.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Retreat of Georges II.—Desolating March of the Tartars.—Capture of
Vladimir.—Fall of Moscow.—Utter Defeat of Georges.—Conflict of
Torjek.—March of the Tartars Toward the South.—Subjugation of the
Polovtsi.—Capture of Kief.—Humiliation of Yaroslaf.—Overthrow of
the Gaussian Kingdom.—Haughtiness of the Tartars.—Reign of
Alexander.—Succession of Yaroslaf.—The Reign of Vassuli.—State of
Christianity.—Infamy of <span title="Standardized spelling from 'Andre' to 'André'" class="hov">André</span>.—Struggles With Dmitri.—Independence
of the Principalities.—Death of <span title="Standardized spelling from 'Andre' to 'André'" class="hov">André</span>.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 9 --><SPAN name="Page_9" id="Page_9" ></SPAN><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">RESURRECTION OF THE RUSSIAN MONARCHY.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1304 to 1380.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Defeat of Georges and the Tartars.—Indignation of the Khan.—Michel
Summoned To the Horde.—His Trial and Execution.—Assassination of
Georges.—Execution of Dmitri.—Repulse and Death of the Embassador of
the Khan.—Vengeance of the Khan.—Increasing Prosperity of Russia.
—The Great Plague.—Supremacy of Simon.—Anarchy in the
Horde.—Plague and Conflagration.—The Tartars Repulsed.—Reconquest
of Bulgaria.—The Great Battle of Koulikof.—Utter Rout of the
Tartars.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">DMITRI, VASSALI, AND THE MOGOL TAMERLANE</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1380 to 1462.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Recovery of Dmitri.—New Tartar invasion.—The Assault and Capture of
Moscow.—New Subjugation of the Russians.—Lithuania Embraces
Christianity.—Escape of Vassali From the Horde.—Death of
Dmitri.—Tamerlane—His Origin and Career.—His Invasion of
India.—Defeat of Bajazet.—Tamerlane Invades Russia.—Preparations
for Resistance.—Sudden Retreat of the Tartars.—Death of
Vassali.—Accession of Vassali Vassilievitch.—The Disputed
Succession.—Appeal to the Khan.—Rebellion of Youri.—Cruelty of
Vassali.—The Retribution.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE ILLUSTRIOUS IVAN III.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1462 to 1480.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Ivan III.—His Precocity and Rising Power.—The Three Great
Hordes.—Russian Expedition Against Kezan.—Defeat of the
Tartars.—Capture of Constantinople By the Turks.—The Princess
Sophia.—Her Journey To Russia, and Marriage With Ivan
III.—Increasing Renown of Russia.—New Difficulty With the
Horde.—The Tartars invade Russia.—Strife On the Banks of the
Oka.—Letter of the Metropolitan Bishop.—Unprecedented
Panic.—Liberation of Russia.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 10 --><SPAN name="Page_10" id="Page_10" ></SPAN>
<SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE REIGN OF VASSILI.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1480 to 1533.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Alliance With Hungary.—A Traveler From Germany.—Treaty Between
Russia and Germany.—Embassage to Turkey.—Court Etiquette.—Death of
the Princess Sophia.—Death of Ivan.—Advancement of
Knowledge.—Succession of Vassili.—Attack Upon the Horde.—Rout of
the Russians.—The Grand Prince Takes the Title of Emperor.—Turkish
Envoy to Moscow.—Efforts To Arm Europe Against the Turks.—Death of
the Emperor Maximilian, and Accession of Charles V. to the Empire of
Germany.—Death of Vassili.</p>
<p class="heading"> <SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">IVAN IV.—HIS MINORITY.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1533 to 1546.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Vassili At the Chase.—Attention To Distinguished Foreigners.—The
Autocracy.—Splendor of the Edifices.—Slavery.—Aristocracy.—Infancy
of Ivan IV.—Regency of <span title="Standardized spelling from 'Helene' to 'Hélène'" class="hov">Hélène</span>.—Conspiracies and Tumults.—War with
Sigismond of Poland.—Death of <span title="Standardized spelling from
'Helene' to 'Hélène'" class="hov">Hélène</span>.—Struggles of the
Nobles.—Appalling Sufferings of Dmitri.—Incursion of the
Tartars.—Successful Conspiracy.—Ivan IV. At the Chase.—Coronation
of Ivan IV.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE REIGN OF IVAN IV.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1546 to 1552.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">The Title of Tzar.—Marriage of Ivan IV.—Virtues of His
Bride.—Depraved Character of the Young Emperor.—Terrible
Conflagrations.—Insurrections.—The Rebuke.—Wonderful Change in the
Character of Ivan IV.—Confessions of Sin and Measures of
Reform.—Sylvestre and Alexis Adachef.—The Code of Laws.—Reforms in
the Church.—Encouragement To Men of Science and Letters.—The
Embassage of Schlit.—War With Kezan.—Disasters and
Disgrace.—Immense Preparation For the Chastisement of the Horde.—The
March.—Repulse of the Tauredians.—Siege of Kezan.—Incidents of the
Siege.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE REIGN OF IVAN IV.—CONTINUED.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1552 to 1557.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Siege of Kezan.—Artifices of War.—The Explosion of Mines.—The Final
Assault.—Complete Subjugation of Kezan.—Gratitude and Liberality of
the Tzar.—Return To Moscow.—Joy of the inhabitants.—Birth of An
Heir To the Crown.—Insurrection in Kezan.—The Insurrection Quelled.—Conquest
of <span title="Corrected typo: was 'Astruchan'" class="hov">Astrachan</span>.—The English Expedition
in Search of a North-East Passage to India.—The Establishment at
Archangel.—Commercial Relations Between France and Russia.—Russian
Embassy to England.—Extension of Commerce.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 11 --><SPAN name="Page_11" id="Page_11" ></SPAN>
<SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE ABDICATION OF IVAN IV.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1557 to 1582.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Terror of the Horde in Tauride.—War with Gustavus Vasa of
Sweden.—Political Punctilios.—The Kingdom of Livonia Annexed to
Sweden.—Death of Anastasia.—Conspiracy Against Ivan.—His
Abdication.—His Resumption of the Crown.—Invasion of Russia by the Tartars and
Turks.—Heroism of <span title="Corrected typo: was 'Zebrinow'" class="hov">Zerebrinow</span>.—Utter
Discomfiture of the Tartars.—Relations Between Queen Elizabeth of England, and
Russia.—Intrepid Embassage.—New War with Poland.—Disasters of
Russia.—The Emperor Kills His Own Son.—Anguish of Ivan IV.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE STORMS OF HEREDITARY SUCCESSION.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1582 to 1608.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Anguish and Death of Ivan IV.—His Character.—Feodor and
Dmitri.—Usurpation of Boris Gudenow.—The Polish Election.—Conquest
of Siberia.—Assassination of Dmitri.—Death of Feodor.—Boris Crowned
King.—Conspiracies.—Reappearance of Dmitri.—Boris Poisoned.—The
Pretender Crowned.—Embarrassments of Dmitri.—A New
Pretender.—Assassination of Dmitri.—Crowning of Zuski.—Indignation
of Poland.—Historical Romance.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">A CHANGE OF DYNASTY.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1608 to 1680.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Conquests by Poland.—Sweden in Alliance with Russia.—Grandeur of
Poland.—Ladislaus Elected King of Russia.—Commotions and
insurrections.—Rejection of Ladislaus and Election of Michael Feodor
Romanow.—Sorrow of His Mother.—Pacific Character of Romanow.—Choice
of a Bride.—Eudochia Streschnew.—The Archbishop Feodor.—Death of
Michael and Accession of Alexis.—Love in the Palace.—Successful
intrigue.—Mobs in Moscow.—Change in the Character of the
Tzar.—Turkish invasions.—Alliance Between Russia and Poland.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 12 --><SPAN name="Page_12" id="Page_12" ></SPAN>
<SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE REGENCY OF SOPHIA.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1680 to 1697.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Administration of Feodor.—Death of Feodor.—Incapacity of
Ivan.—Succession of Peter.—Usurpation of Sophia.—Insurrection of
the Strelitzes.—Massacre in Moscow.—Success of the
Insurrection.—Ivan and Peter Declared Sovereigns under the Regency of
Sophia.—General Discontent.—Conspiracy against Sophia.—Her Flight
to the Convent.—The Conspiracy Quelled.—New Conspiracy.—Energy of
Peter.—He Assumes the Crown.—Sophia Banished to a
Convent.—Commencement of the Reign of Peter.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">PETER THE GREAT.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1697 to 1702.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Young Russians Sent to Foreign Countries.—The Tzar Decides Upon a
Tour of Observation.—His Plan of Travel.—Anecdote.—Peter's Mode of
Life in Holland.—Characteristic Anecdotes.—The Presentation of the
Embassador.—The Tzar Visits England.—Life at Deptford.—Illustrious
Foreigners Engaged in His Service.—Peter Visits Vienna.—The Game of
Landlord.—Insurrection in Moscow.—Return of the Tzar, and Measures
of Severity.—War with Sweden.—Disastrous Defeat of Narva.—Efforts
to Secure the Shores of the Baltic.—Designs Upon the Black Sea.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">CONQUESTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF PETER THE GREAT.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1702 TO 1718.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Peter takes Lake Lagoda and the Neva.—Foundation of St.
Petersburg.—Conquest of Livonia.—Marienburg Taken by Storm.—The
Empress Catharine.—Extraordinary Efforts in Building St.
Petersburg.—Threat of Charles XII.—Deposition of
Augustus.—Enthronement of Stanislaus.—Battle of Pultowa.—Flight of
Charles XII. to Turkey.—Increased Renown of Russia.—Disastrous
Conflict with the Turks.—Marriage of Alexis.—His Character.—Death
of his Wife.—The Empress Acknowledged.—Conquest of Finland.—Tour of
the Tzar to Southern Europe.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE TRIAL AND CONDEMNATION OF ALEXIS, AND DEATH OF THE TZAR.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1718 to 1725.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">The Tzar's Second Visit to Holland.—Reception in France.—Description
of Catharine.—Domestic Grief.—Conduct of Alexis.—Letters from His
Father.—Flight To Germany.—Thence to Naples.—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.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 13 --><SPAN name="Page_13" id="Page_13" ></SPAN>
<SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE REIGN OF CATHARINE I., ANNE, THE INFANT IVAN AND ELIZABETH.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1725 TO 1769.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">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.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">PETER III. AND HIS BRIDE.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1728 TO 1762.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Lineage of Peter III.—Chosen by Elizabeth as her Successor.—The
Bride Chosen for Peter.—Her Lineage.—The Courtship.—The
Marriage.—Autobiography of Catharine.—Anecdotes of Peter.—His
Neglect of Catharine and his Debaucheries.—Amusements of the Russian
Court.—Military Execution of a Rat.—Accession of Peter III. to the
Throne.—Supremacy of Catharine.—Her Repudiation Threatened.—The
Conspiracy.—Its Successful Accomplishment.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE CONSPIRACY; AND ACCESSION OF CATHARINE II.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1762 to 1765.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Peter III. at Oranienbaum.—Catharine at Peterhof.—The Successful
Accomplishment of the Conspiracy.—Terror of Peter.—His Vacillating
and Feeble Character.—Flight to Cronstadt.—Repulse.—Heroic Counsel
of Munich.—Peter's Return to Oranienbaum.—His Suppliant Letters to
Catharine.—His Arrest.—Imprisonment.—Assasination.—Proclamation of
the Empress.—Her Complicity in the Crime.—Energy of Catharine's
Administration.—Her Expansive Views and Sagacious
Policy.—Contemplated Marriage with Count Orlof.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 14 --><SPAN name="Page_14" id="Page_14" ></SPAN>
<SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">REIGN OF CATHARINE II.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1765 to 1774.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Energy of Catharine's Administration.—Titles of Honor Decreed to
Her.—Code of Laws Instituted.—The Assassination of the Empress
Attempted.—Encouragement of Learned Men.—Catharine Inoculated for
the Small-Pox.—New War with Turkey.—Capture of Crimea.—Sailing of
the Russian Fleet.—Great Naval Victory.—Visit of the Prussian Prince
Henry.—The Sleigh Ride.—Plans for the Partition of Poland.—The
Hermitage.—Marriage of the Grand Duke Paul.—Correspondence with
Voltaire and Diderot.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">REIGN OF CATHARINE II.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1774 to 1781.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Peace with Turkey.—Court of Catharine II.—Her Personal Appearance
and Habits.—Conspiracy and Rebellion.—Defeat of the
Rebels.—Magnanimity of Catharine II.—-Ambition of the
Empress.—Court Favorite.—Division of Russia into
Provinces.—internal Improvements.—New Partition of Poland.—Death of
the Wife of Paul.—Second Marriage of the Grand Duke.—Splendor of the
Russian Court.—Russia and Austria Secretly Combine to Drive the Turks
out of Europe.—The Emperor Joseph II.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">TERMINATION OF THE REIGN OF CATHARINE II.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1781 to 1786.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Statue of Peter the Great.—Alliance Between Austria and
Russia.—Independence of the Crimea—The Khan of the Crimea.—Vast
Preparations for War.—National Jealousies.—Tolerant Spirit of
Catharine.—Magnificent Excursion to the Crimea.—Commencement of
Hostilities.—Anecdote of Paul.—Peace.—New Partition of
Poland.—Treaty with Austria and France.—Hostility to Liberty in
France.—Death of Catharine.—Her Character.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">THE REIGN OF PAUL I.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1796 to 1801.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Accession of Paul I. to the Throne.—Influence of Hereditary
Transmission of Power.—Extravagance of Paul.—His Despotism.—The
Horse Court Martialed.—Progress of the French Revolution.—Fears and
Violence of Paul.—Hostility to Foreigners.—Russia Joins the
Coalition Against France.—March of Suwarrow.—Character of
Suwarrow.—Battle on the Adda.—Battle of Novi.—Suwarrow marches on
the Rhine.—His Defeat and Death.—Paul Abandons the Coalition and
Joins France.—Conspiracies at St. Petersburg.</p>
<p class="heading"><!-- Page 15 --><SPAN name="Page_15" id="Page_15" ></SPAN>
<SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">ASSASSINATION OF PAUL AND ACCESSION OF ALEXANDER.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1801 to 1807.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Assassination of Paul I.—Implication of Alexander in the
Conspiracy.—Anecdotes.—Accession of Alexander.—The French
Revolution.—Alexander Joins Allies Against France.—State of
Russia.—Useful Measures of Alexander.—Peace of Amiens.—Renewal of
Hostilities.—Battle of Austerlitz.—Magnanimity of Napoleon.—New
Coalition.—Ambition of Alexander.—Battles of Jena and Eylau.—Defeat
of the Russians.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">REIGN OF ALEXANDER I.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1807 to 1825.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">The Field of Eylau.—Letter to the King of Prussia.—Renewal of the
War—Discomfiture of the Allies.—Battle of Friedland.—The Raft at
Tilsit.—Intimacy of the Emperors.—Alexander's Designs upon
Turkey.—Alliance Between France and Russia.—Object of the
Continental System.—Perplexities of Alexander.—Driven by the Nobles
to War.—Results of the Russian Campaign.—Napoleon Vanquished.—Last
Days of Alexander.—His Sickness and Death.</p>
<p class="heading"><SPAN href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</SPAN></p>
<p class="center">NICHOLAS.</p>
<p class="center"><span class="smcap">From 1825 to 1855.</span></p>
<p class="smcap">Abdication of Constantine.—Accession of Nicholas.—Insurrection
Quelled.—Nicholas and the Conspirator.—Anecdote.—The Palace of
Peterhof.—The Winter Palace.—Presentation at Court.—Magnitude of
Russia.—Description of the Hellespont and Dardanelles.—The Turkish
Invasion.—Aims of Russia.—Views of England and France.—Wars of
Nicholas.—The Polish Insurrection.—War of the Crimea.—Jealousies of
the Leading Nations.—Encroachments.—Death of Nicholas.—Accession of
Alexander II.</p>
<p class="heading"> <SPAN href="#INDEX">INDEX.</SPAN></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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