Why did Empress Elizabeth of Russia oppose Frederick II of Prussia?
Empress Elizabeth of Russiaâs opposition to Frederick II of Prussia during the Seven Yearsâ War was driven by a combination of strategic foreign policy and personal indignation.
Under the guidance of her chief adviser, Aleksey Bestuzhev-Ryumin, Russia maintained a firm pro-Austrian and anti-Prussian foreign policy. This stance was solidified by the "diplomatic revolution" of the mid-1750s. When Great Britainâpreviously a potential allyâsigned the Convention of Westminster with Frederick II in 1756, Elizabeth was deeply offended. She viewed the agreement as a betrayal, as she had intended for any Anglo-Russian arrangement to be directed against Prussia.12
Following this diplomatic shift, Elizabeth moved to align Russia with Austria and France to counter Prussian influence. Her indignation at Frederickâs actions accelerated a rapprochement with France, leading Russia to pledge 80,000 troops to support Austria in its efforts to reclaim Silesia from Prussian control.1342