How did the death of Russia’s Empress Elizabeth affect the Seven Years’ War?

The death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia on January 5, 1762, was a pivotal turning point that effectively ended the Seven Years’ War.12

Elizabeth had been a staunch opponent of Frederick II the Great of Prussia, and her commitment to the anti-Prussian alliance with Austria and France had placed Prussia on the brink of collapse. However, her successor, Peter III, was a fervent admirer of Frederick II. Upon ascending the throne, Peter III immediately withdrew Russia from the war and formed an alliance with Prussia.31456

Although Peter III was soon deposed by his wife, Catherine II, she did not resume hostilities against Prussia. With Russia’s defection and France’s global military defeats, Maria Theresa and her advisers concluded that continuing the conflict was futile. This led to the Treaty of Hubertusburg in 1763, which restored the status quo ante and left Prussia in possession of Silesia.142