Northern Union

Karl Peter Ulrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp:
Heir to the Russian throne - 1742, Emperor of Russia (as Peter III) - 1762
Heir to the Swedish throne - 1743, King of Sweden - 1751

Even as a King of Sweden most of the time between 1751 and 1762 spent in Russia and ruled Sweden through his representative. Holstein-Gottorp had been administered in his name by his uncle, Adolf Fredrik.

Soon after accession on the Russian throne successfully survived attempt of the coup in which his wife, princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst was heavily implicated: after receiving the news about the mutiny of the Guards fled to the Russian army in Germany commanded by general Rumiantsev. The Guards, most of whom never saw the battle had been easily defeated by the veterans of the 7YW led by the best Russian general. The ringleaders had been exiled into Siberia (however, in few years some of them had been forgiven and returned to the service and, at least Alexei Orlov and Grigory Potemkin proved to be outstanding statesmen). After divorcing his wife and sending her back to Germany, Peter married his mistress Elizabeth Worontsova. His son from the 1st marriage, Paul, remained his only child.

In 1763 conquered Schlezwig from Denmark. In 1768 - 74 conducted a war against the Ottomans in which Rumiantsev greatly distinguished himself. Result of the war was acquisition of the North coast of the Black Sea. Second war, 1787 - 92, resulted in consolidation and expansion of the earlier conquests and Russian march on Istanbul resulted in Peace of Adrianople which opened the Dardanelles to all commercial vessels. Upon request of his personal friend, Fredrick II of Prussia, agreed to the 1st Partition of Poland.

Very popular in Russia, mostly due to the law that relieved nobility from a mandatory life-long military service. Law about equality of the religions almost resulted in another coup but eventually things settled down.

In Sweden was very popular mostly because left most of the rule to the Swedish Parliament, ended the costly wars with Russia and humiliated Denmark.

In Holstein ... well, who really cares.
 
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