Anna of Russia vs Mohammad Ali Shah

Anna was invited to become empress by the Supreme Privy Council, which imposed conditions limiting her power. She accepted but soon tore up the conditions, dissolved the council, and established autocratic rule. Her accession marked a return to absolute monarchy after Peter II's death.

Anna, with support from the nobility and guards, revoked the conditions of her accession and dissolved the Supreme Privy Council. She replaced it with a cabinet of ministers loyal to her, consolidating her autocratic power and ending the experiment with constitutional limits.

Anna's reign was dominated by her German favorite, Ernst Johann von Biron, who became de facto ruler. Biron and other Baltic Germans filled key government posts, leading to widespread resentment among the Russian nobility. This period, known as Bironovshchina, was marked by corruption and repression.

Anna commissioned the construction of the first Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, designed by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The palace became the official residence of the Russian monarchs and a symbol of imperial power. It was later expanded and rebuilt by subsequent rulers.

Anna's government waged war against the Ottoman Empire, seeking access to the Black Sea. Russian forces captured the fortress of Azov and invaded the Crimea, but the war ended with the Treaty of Belgrade (1739), which returned most gains to the Ottomans. The war was costly and inconclusive.

Mohammad Ali Shah ordered the Russian-led Cossack Brigade to bombard the Iranian parliament (Majlis) in Tehran, killing many constitutionalists and suspending the constitution. This coup d'

After the bombardment of the Majlis, constitutionalist forces from Tabriz and Isfahan marched on Tehran, forcing Mohammad Ali Shah to abdicate in favor of his son Ahmad Shah. He fled to Russia, ending his attempt to restore autocracy and allowing the constitution to be reinstated.

Mohammad Ali Shah, with Russian support, attempted to invade Persia and regain the throne. He landed at Astarabad but was defeated by constitutionalist forces. This failed attempt further weakened the Qajar dynasty and increased Russian influence in northern Persia.