She Deposed Her Own Husband
The eccentric rule of Peter III, marked by descriptions of him as an “idiot” and a “drunkard” by Catherine, prompted her to engineer a plot against him. Catherine strategically garnered support from key figures who would aid her ascent to power in the event of Peter’s downfall. Unwilling to leave the outcome to fate, she orchestrated the end of Peter’s reign by appealing to a regiment of soldiers for protection from her “unhinged husband.” Simultaneously, Catherine ensured a seamless transition of power by convening a prearranged meeting of clergy, who promptly swore her into power.
The abrupt end to Peter’s reign, initiated by his own wife, underscored the ruthless political maneuvering that characterized Catherine’s ascent to the throne. The events surrounding this power shift would fuel speculation and debate among historians regarding the true nature of Peter’s demise.
