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CHAPTER XVII: European

At the opening of the next campaign (A. D. 1715), Stralsund was besieged by the Prussians, Danes and Saxons, and though obstinately defended by the king, was forced to capitulate, while he narrowly escaped in a small vessel to his native shores. All Europe now considered that his last effort had been made, when it was suddenly announced that he had invaded Norway. He had found in his new minister, baron de Goertz, a man who encouraged his most extravagant projects, and who was as bold in the cabinet as his master was undaunted in the field. Taking advantage of a coolness that existed between Russia and the other enemies of Sweden, Goertz proposed that Peter and Charles should unite in strict amity, and dictate the law to Europe. A part of this daring plan was the restoration of the Stuarts to the throne of England. But while the negotiations were in progress, Charles invaded Norway a second time and laid siege to Frederickshall; but while there a cannon-ball terminated his eventful life: and his sister Ulrica ascended the throne: A. D. 1718.

By the peace which Peter signed with Sweden, he obtained the valuable provinces of Carelia, Ingria, Esthovia, and Livonia. On this glorious occasion he exchanged the title of czar for that of emperor and autocrat of all the Russians, which was recognized by every European power. One year after (A. D. 1725) this truly extraordinary man died, in the 53d year of his age and the 43d of a glorious and useful reign. Peter the Great must be considered as the real founder of the power of the Russian empire; but while history records of him many noble, humane, and generous actions, he is not exempt from the charge of gross barbarity, particularly in his early years. He must not, however, be judged according to the standard of civilized society, but as an absolute monarch, bent on exaltation of a people whose manners were rude and barbarous.

Catherine I., who had been crowned empress the preceding year, took quiet possession of the throne, and faithfully pursued the plans of her illustrious husband for the improvement of Russia; obtaining the love of her subjects by the mildness of her rule and the truly patriotic zeal she evinced for their welfare. She died in the second year of her reign, and left the crown to Peter II., son of the unfortunate Alexis, and the regency to prince Menzicoff, who was afterwards disgraced and banished to Siwho was afterwards disgraced and banished to Siberia. After a short and peaceable reign Peter II. died, and with him ended the male line of the family of Romanof: A.D. 1730.