RUSSIAN RULERS

Catherine II (reign, 1762 - 1796) wife of Peter III whom she deposed in palace coup. She was a minor German princess when selected by Elizabeth as wife for Peter III. She took to her new land and duties avidly, learning Russian and becoming Orthodox, but couldn't stand Peter ( the feeling was mutual). So on the first opportunity after Elizabeth's death Catherine followed Elizabeth's example and gained support from personal relations with enough guards officers to stage a coup.