CHAPTER XXII.. The Reign of Catharine I., Anne, the Infant Ivan and

THE REIGN OF CATHARINE I., ANNE, THE INFANT IVAN AND ELIZABETH.

From 1725 TO 1769.

Energetic Reign of Catharine.--Her Sudden Death.--Brief Reign of Peter II.--Difficulties of Hereditary Succession.--A Republic Contemplated.--Anne, Daughter of Ivan.--The Infant Ivan Proclaimed King.--His Terrible Doom.--Elizabeth, Daughter of Peter the Great, Enthroned.--Character of Elizabeth.--Alliance with Maria Theresa.--Wars with Prussia.--Great Reverses of Frederic of Prussia.--Desperate Condition of Frederic.--Death of Elizabeth.--Succession of Peter III.