CHAPTER XVIII.. The Regency of Sophia.

THE REGENCY OF SOPHIA.

From 1680 to 1697.

Administration of Feodor.--Death of Feodor.--Incapacity of Ivan.--Succession of Peter.--Usurpation of Sophia.--Insurrection of the Strelitzes.--Massacre in Moscow.--Success of the Insurrection.--Ivan and Peter Declared Sovereigns under the Regency of Sophia.--General Discontent.--Conspiracy against Sophia.--Her Flight to the Convent.--The Conspiracy Quelled.--New Conspiracy.--Energy of Peter.--He Assumes the Crown.--Sophia Banished to a Convent.--Commencement of the Reign of Peter.