The Succession Crisis, Autocracy, and Decline in Europe
Summary
Peter the Great’s new law of succession created a succession crisis after three years of his death. Prince Menshikov, Peter’s close associate, backed Tsarina Catherine to become Peter’s successor, gaining support from the Guards. Catherine the Great legitimized the coup of 1762 by having the Commission recognize her on the throne, and she discarded the Commission after it fulfilled its task, insisting on autocracy and never discussing constitutional matters. Catherine reformed the administrative system, devolved responsibility for judicial and administrative functions to nobles, and allowed the nobility to retain a son to run estates. Spain and the Ottoman Empire declined steeply, and personal rulers’ quality proved crucial. The reign of Charles II in Spain was marked by his incapacity and the influence of his mother and advisers, including Fernando de Valenzuela and Don Juan José of Austria. The monarchy lacked authority, and power was fragmented among provincial elites.
Table of Contents
- Peter the Great’s Succession Crisis
- Tsarina Catherine and Autocracy
- Decline in Europe
- Charles II’s Reign in Spain
- Provincial Elites in Spain
Peter the Great’s Succession Crisis
Q: What led to a succession crisis after the death of Peter the Great?
A: In 1722, Tsar Peter the Great created a new law of succession, giving the monarch power to appoint his successor or remove him in case of improper behavior. However, he did not make any appointment, leading to a succession crisis after his death three years later.
Q: Who backed Tsarina Catherine to become Peter’s successor?
A: Prince Menshikov, Peter’s associate, backed the widowed Tsarina Catherine to become Peter’s successor and gained support from the Guards who were involved in every succession between 1725 and 1825, except for one.
Q: How was the alliance between the Tsarina and Guards officers consolidated over the years?
A: The alliance between the Tsarina and the Guards officers was consolidated over the years after Peter’s death. In 1736, the service obligation was reduced from life to 25 years, and every noble household was allowed to retain a son to run the estates, although even those who stayed at home were obliged to learn to read and write in readiness for the civil service if required.
Tsarina Catherine and Autocracy
Q: What did Catherine the Great do to consolidate her hold on the throne after legitimizing the coup of 1762?
A: Catherine the Great legitimized the coup of 1762 by having the Commission recognize her on the throne, reducing her dependence on those who had brought her to power. She discarded the Commission after it fulfilled its task, insisting on autocracy and never discussing constitutional matters.
Q: How did Catherine reform the administrative system?
A: Catherine reformed the administrative system and devolved responsibility for judicial and administrative functions to nobles elected by their own provincial assemblies.
Q: What did Catherine do to emancipate the nobility?
A: The nobility was finally emancipated from the service obligation during the brief reign of Peter III (1762), albeit with strict qualifications.
Decline in Europe
Q: Why did Spain and the Ottoman Empire decline steeply?
A: Spain and the Ottoman Empire declined steeply, and personal rulers’ quality proved crucial.
Q: What contributed to Habsburgs’ struggles to keep afloat?
A: The Habsburgs’ ever-shrinking gene-pool contributed to their struggles to keep afloat.
Charles II’s Reign in Spain
Q: What characterized Charles II’s reign in Spain?
A: Charles II’s reign in Spain was marked by his incapacity due to physical disabilities and the influence of his mother and advisers, including Fernando de Valenzuela and Don Juan José of Austria.
Q: Did the monarchy lack authority during Charles II’s reign?
A: The monarchy lacked authority, and power was fragmented among provincial elites.
Provincial Elites in Spain
Q: What happened after Charles II’s death?
A: After Charles II’s death, the War of Spanish Succession broke out, a civil war inside Spain which resulted in a victory for Castile and centralism.
Q: What reforms did the new ruler institute?
A: The new ruler abolished privileges and instituted bureaucratically organized departments and a network of centrally appointed officials.
Q: Did the reforms lead to a return to Spain’s glory days?
A: However, this did not lead to a return to Spain’s glory days, and the colonial empire began to crumble.
Q: What characterized Philip V’s reign?
A: The first Bourbon king, Philip V, was putty in the hands of his queen and suffered from priapism and paranoia. His wife, Elizabeth Farnese, manipulated Spanish foreign policy for their children’s benefit. Philip’s physical and mental breakdowns led him to refuse basic hygiene practices, lying in his own excrement for prolonged periods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Europe faced succession crises and declines in different areas during the 18th century. The succession crisis following Tsar Peter the Great’s death led to the consolidation of power between Tsarina Catherine and the Guards officers, culminating in Catherine’s autocracy. Spain and the Ottoman Empire declined as personal rulers’ quality proved crucial, and fragmentation of power among provincial elites weakened their authority. The Habsburgs’ ever-shrinking gene-pool contributed to their struggles to keep afloat. The reign of Charles II in Spain was marked by his incapacity and the influence of advisers. The War of Spanish Succession resulted in a victory for Castile and centralism and the institution of reforms but failed to restore Spain’s glory days. Philip V’s reign was marked by his incapacity due to physical and mental breakdowns. These events impacted the political landscape and had far-reaching implications for the future of Europe.
