Path to Power - NHD

The overthrow of Russian emperor Peter III was a huge turning point in Russia’s history. After 186 days of ruling over Russia, the people were mad. Peter had separated Russia from historic alliances and instead allied with Prussia, one of Russia's biggest adversaries. He started a war with Denmark for no reason and pulled out of a war with Prussia that they were on the brink of winning. He even started making the military do Prussian drills and wear Prussian-style uniforms. His wife, Catherine the Great, saw that the people were angry and the country needed change. With the help of the military, she had him arrested and made him sign a document of abdication, giving her the throne. Eight days later, Peter mysteriously died at the hands of Alexei Orlov. After Catherine the Great took the throne, she extended Russia’s border and continued to westernize Russia. The change of direction impacted Russia, if not the whole continent, for eternity, and Catherine the Great is still known as one of the most influential leaders in Russia.