Feodor III vs Peter III of Russia

Feodor III continued the war with the Ottoman Empire over control of Ukraine. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Bakhchisarai in 1681, which established the Dnieper River as the border between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, ceding left-bank Ukraine to Russia.

Feodor III encouraged the adoption of Western European fashions, including shaving beards and wearing Polish-style clothing, at the Russian court. This was an early step in the Westernization of Russian elite culture, later expanded by Peter the Great.

Feodor III abolished the system of mestnichestvo, which determined noble rank and appointments based on ancestry rather than merit. This reform aimed to modernize the Russian state and military by allowing promotion based on ability, reducing the power of the old boyar aristocracy.

Feodor III approved the founding of the Slavic Greek Latin Academy in Moscow, the first higher education institution in Russia. It was intended to train officials and clergy in Greek, Latin, and Slavic languages, promoting learning and reducing the influence of foreign scholars.

Peter III issued the 'Manifesto on the Freedom of the Nobility,' which freed nobles from compulsory state and military service. This reform granted nobles the right to choose their occupation, travel abroad, and own land without service. It strengthened the nobility's power but weakened state control.

Peter III ascended the throne after the death of Elizabeth of Russia. He was a grandson of Peter the Great and a devoted admirer of Frederick the Great of Prussia. His reign lasted only six months and was marked by unpopular policies that alienated the nobility and the military.

Peter III ended Russia's participation in the Seven Years' War by signing the Treaty of Saint Petersburg with Prussia. He returned all conquered territories to Prussia and formed an alliance with Frederick the Great. This decision reversed Elizabeth's policy and was seen as a betrayal of Russian sacrifices.

Peter III was deposed in a coup led by his wife, Catherine, and her supporters, including the Orlov brothers. He was forced to abdicate and was imprisoned at Ropsha, where he was killed under unclear circumstances. His death cleared the way for Catherine the Great's reign.