Anna (Ivanovna)

born Jan. 28, 1693, Moscow, Russia

died Oct. 17, 1740, St. Petersburg

Empress of Russia (1730–40).

After the death of Peter II, the Supreme Privy Council, Russia's actual ruling body, offered Anna the throne (as the daughter of Ivan V) if she agreed to conditions placing the real power in the council's hands. She initially agreed but later tore up the conditions, abolished the council, and reestablished the autocracy, countenancing a severely repressive regime. She occupied herself primarily with extravagant amusements and relied on her lover, Ernst Johann Biron (1690–1772), and a group of German advisers to manage the state. Shortly before her death, Anna named as her successor her grand-nephew Ivan (later Ivan VI).

Anna Ivanovna, enameled miniature by an unknown artist, 18th century; in the collection of Mrs. ...

Courtesy of Hillwood, Washington, D.C.

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