Abstract:

The new procedure of power substitution in the Russian Empire established by Peter the Great is discussed in this article. The Decree on Succession to the Throne of 1722 is analyzed: reasons of its adoption, arguments justifying introduction of testamentary nature of succession to the Russian throne, characteristics of the document is provided. Positive and negative consequences of this historical document adoption for the Russian monarchy are mentioned independently.

Keywords: Peter the Great, Alexei Petrovich, succession to the throne, Decree on Succession to the Throne, Decree on Primogeniture, Truth about the Monarch’s Will, Romanov Dynasty