Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Anna of Russia

Role / Field:

Empress of Russia (1730–1740), known for continuing Peter the Great's Westernization.

Born:

1693-01-28

Died:

1740-10-17

Century / Era:

1693s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Anna Ioannovna (Russian: Анна Иоанновна; 7 February [O.S. 28 January] 1693 – 28 October [O.S. 17 October] 1740), also russified as Anna Ivanovna and sometimes anglicized as Anne, served as regent of the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia from 1711 until 1730 and then ruled as Empress of Russia from 1730 to 1740. Much of her administration was defined or heavily influenced by actions set in motion by her uncle, Peter the Great (r.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

1682–1725), such as the lavish building projects in St. Petersburg, funding the Russian Academy of Science, and measures which generally favored the nobility, such as the repeal of a primogeniture law in 1730. In the West, Anna's reign was traditionally viewed as a continuation of the transition from the old Muscovy ways to the European court envisioned by Peter the Great. Within Russia, Anna's reign is often referred to as a "dark era". Anna was born in Moscow as the daughter of Tsar Ivan V by his wife Praskovia Saltykova.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Ivan V was co-ruler of Russia along with his younger half-brother Peter the Great, but he was mentally disabled and reportedly had limited capacity for administering the country effectively, and thus Peter effectively ruled...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Madame de La Fayette — Contemporary (Died in 1693) (1693): Pioneering French novelist, author of La Princesse de Clèves, a literary landmark.
• Bajirao I — Contemporary (Died in 1740) (1740): The 7th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, renowned for his military prowess and campaigns.
• Bernard-René Jourdan de Launay — Contemporary (Born in 1740) (1740): French Royal Army officer, known for governing the Bastille before its fall.
• Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor — Contemporary (Died in 1740) (1740): Holy Roman Emperor and ruler of the Austrian Habsburg monarchy (1711-1740)
• Alan Alda — Shared historical date (01-28 · Born) (1936): Esteemed American actor celebrated for M*A*S*H and decades of versatile performances.
• André the Giant — Shared historical date (01-28 · Died) (1993): French wrestler and actor, famed for his colossal size and wrestling career.
• A. S. Neill — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1883): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Adam Michnik — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• 1693 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1693
• January 28 (01-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 28
• 1740 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1740
• October 17 (10-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 17

Frequently Asked Questions about Anna of Russia