Peter's wife seizes the throne as Catherine I after his death, but when she dies in 1727, Peter's grandson, Peter II, is crowned tsar.

In 1730 Peter II succumbs to smallpox, and Anna, a daughter of Ivan V, who had been co-ruler with Peter, ascends the throne.

The clique of nobles that put Anna on the throne attempts to impose various conditions on her.

In her struggle against those restrictions, Anna has the support of other nobles who fear oligarchic rule more than autocracy.

Thus the principle of autocracy continues to receive strong support despite chaotic struggles for the throne.