Russia had fought against Frederick the Great’s Prussia during the Seven Years’ War and had reached a remarkably strong military position. Peter greatly admired Frederick. After becoming emperor, he reversed Russian policy, made peace with Prussia and restored territories Russia had occupied.
Peter’s later reputation as a ruler who simply betrayed Russian interests has itself been challenged by historians. Some contemporary accusations against him were exaggerated by his opponents.
But politically, perceptions mattered.
Many Russian officers who had spent years fighting Prussia deeply resented the reversal. Peter’s enthusiasm for Prussian military practices and his attachment to his native Holstein further damaged his standing among important sections of the elite. His plans involving Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein also created unease.
Rumors circulated about his attitude toward the Orthodox Church.
Some were exaggerated.
But together they helped Catherine’s supporters construct a powerful case against him: Peter could be presented as a ruler who cared more about Prussia and Holstein than Russia.
There was also a more personal threat.
Catherine had reason to worry about what Peter intended to do with her.
Accounts circulated that he might divorce her, marry Elizabeth Vorontsova and perhaps remove Catherine from political life altogether.
For Catherine, therefore, the conflict was not merely about ambition.
Her future at court was potentially at stake.
Then the conspiracy accelerated.
The Orlov Brothers Helped Turn Discontent Into a Coup
Catherine had cultivated relationships within the Russian elite for years.
The Guards regiments were particularly important.
These were not ordinary military units. The imperial Guards had already demonstrated their ability to intervene in Russian politics, participating in earlier palace coups. Their allegiance could determine who occupied the throne.
The Orlov brothers provided Catherine with valuable connections among them.
Grigory Orlov was her lover.
His brother Alexei would become one of the most important men during the decisive hours of the coup.
Other political figures were also involved, including Nikita Panin and Princess Ekaterina Dashkova, although historians have debated exactly how important each conspirator was and what form of government different participants originally imagined after Peter’s removal.
That last point matters.
Removing Peter did not automatically mean Catherine had to become sole ruler.
One possible arrangement involved Catherine’s young son Paul, with Catherine acting as regent.
Catherine chose something much more ambitious.
She would take the throne herself.
The conspiracy was forced into action in late June 1762 when one of the participants was arrested.
Alexei Orlov hurried to Catherine.
She traveled from Peterhof toward St. Petersburg.
What followed happened with extraordinary speed.
Guards regiments declared for her.
Catherine appeared before troops and political institutions as the new sovereign.
Thousands of soldiers rallied to her.
She famously wore a Guards uniform as she moved with the troops, deliberately presenting herself not as Peter’s frightened wife but as the ruler around whom the military had assembled.
Peter was elsewhere.
By the time he fully understood what was happening, his government was collapsing.
Peter Lost an Empire Almost Without a Battle
Peter attempted to find support.