Alfonso XIII vs Elizabeth of Russia

Alfonso XIII became King of Spain at birth, as his father Alfonso XII had died. His mother Maria Cristina served as regent until he came of age in 1902.

During Alfonso XIII's minority, Spain lost the Spanish-American War, ceding Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. This disaster led to the Generation of '98 and a crisis of national identity.

Spanish forces suffered a catastrophic defeat at Annual in Morocco, with thousands killed by Rifian rebels. The disaster severely damaged the monarchy's prestige and led to political crisis.

Alfonso XIII supported General Miguel Primo de Rivera's coup, which established a military dictatorship. The king's association with the dictatorship further eroded support for the monarchy.

After the Republican victory in municipal elections, Alfonso XIII left Spain without abdicating. The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed, and he lived in exile until his death in 1941.

Elizabeth seized the throne in a bloodless coup, overthrowing the infant Ivan VI and his regent. She was supported by the Preobrazhensky Regiment and popular sentiment against German dominance. Her accession restored the line of Peter the Great and was celebrated as a national revival.

Elizabeth commissioned the reconstruction of the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The palace, with its elaborate Baroque style, became a symbol of imperial opulence and a center of court life. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Elizabeth abolished internal customs tariffs and tolls within Russia, which had hindered trade and economic development. This reform simplified taxation, promoted internal commerce, and increased state revenue through higher import duties. It was a significant step toward economic modernization.

Elizabeth signed the decree establishing Moscow University, the first university in Russia, on the initiative of Mikhail Lomonosov. The university became a center of learning and science, promoting education and reducing reliance on foreign scholars. It remains a leading institution today.

Elizabeth led Russia into the Seven Years' War against Prussia, allying with Austria and France. Russian forces achieved major victories, including the occupation of Berlin in 1760. The war drained Russian resources but demonstrated its military power. Elizabeth's death in 1762 led to a reversal of policy.