Charles Theodore of Bavaria vs Elizabeth of Russia

As Elector Palatine, Charles Theodore was a major patron of the arts in Mannheim. He supported the Mannheim school of music, including composers like Johann Stamitz, and expanded the court orchestra, making it one of Europe's finest.

Upon the death of Maximilian III Joseph, Charles Theodore inherited the Electorate of Bavaria, uniting it with the Palatinate. This created a large Wittelsbach state but sparked the War of the Bavarian Succession.

Charles Theodore's inheritance of Bavaria led to the War of the Bavarian Succession (1778-1779) against Austria, which claimed parts of Bavaria. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Teschen, which ceded the Innviertel to Austria.

Charles Theodore proposed exchanging Bavaria for the Austrian Netherlands, a plan supported by Emperor Joseph II. The proposal was abandoned due to opposition from Prussia and the F

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.