The Transfer of Power in Post-Petrine Russia: The Fate of Empress Anna’s Throne

This paper publishes a previously unknown historical source, a note supposedly written by A. I. Osterman, a major political figure in the reign of Empress Anna. The note is devoted to the search for a matrimonial match with a foreign prince for Anna Leopoldovna, the empress’ niece and potentially mother of the future heir. The note testifies to its author’s deep knowledge of the foreign policy situation and dynastic ties in Western Europe and ability to outline the most rational and useful vector for Russia’s dynastic policy. Having carefully analysed the foreign policy and dynastic situation in Germany, the note’s author is inclined to count on Prussia’s help in choosing a match for Anna Leopoldovna, either from the Prussian House of Hohenzollern or from the House of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel.