Peter II of Russia

Peter II ascended the throne at age 11 after the death of Catherine I, under the regency of the Supreme Privy Council. His accession was orchestrated by the Dolgorukov family, who sought to control the young tsar. He was the last male Romanov to rule.

Peter II, influenced by the Dolgorukovs, ordered the arrest and exile of Alexander Menshikov, the powerful former regent. Menshikov was stripped of his titles and sent to Siberia, ending his dominance. This event marked the rise of the Dolgorukov family at court.

Peter II moved the imperial court from Saint Petersburg back to Moscow, reversing Peter the Great's Westernizing policy. This relocation reflected the influence of conservative nobles and weakened the new capital's status. The court remained in Moscow until his death.

Peter II died of smallpox at age 14 on the day of his planned wedding to Ekaterina Dolgorukova. His death ended the male line of the Romanov dynasty and triggered a succession crisis, leading to the accession of Anna of Russia. The event was sudden and unexpected.