Empress Elizabeth of Russia
Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great, ruled Russia from 1741 to 1762 and was one of the principal architects of the anti-Prussian coalition during the Seven Years' War. Under her leadership, Russia allied with Austria and France, inflicting crushing defeats on Frederick the Great's Prussia — including the occupation of Berlin in 1760. Her sudden death on 5 January 1762 became Frederick's miracle salvation: her successor Peter III, a fervent admirer of Frederick, immediately withdrew Russia from the war and returned all conquered territories — the so-called Miracle of the House of Brandenburg that rescued Prussia from certain defeat.
- Lived: 1709 CE – 1762 CE
- Nationality: russian
- Roles: empress, head_of_state
