Elizabeth of Russia, who reigned as Empress from 1741 to 1762, was reportedly jealous of Anna Leopoldovna for several reasons rooted in their personal and political dynamics. Anna Leopoldovna was the niece of Empress Anna (under whom she had served) and acted as regent for her son, Ivan VI, during a turbulent period of Russian history when Elizabeth staged a coup to seize the throne.
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Claim to Power: Anna Leopoldovna's role as regent presented a direct threat to Elizabeth's claim to the throne, which she ultimately usurped from Anna's son, Ivan VI. This rivalry for power often breeds jealousy, particularly in a court setting where loyalty and influence can shift rapidly.
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Political Influence: During her regency, Anna had significant influence and access to power, which could have made Elizabeth feel overshadowed and insecure about her own position.
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Personal Rivalry: Their relationship might have also been marked by personal animosities. The court was rife with intrigues, rivalries, and personal conflicts, which can exacerbate feelings of jealousy.
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Societal Expectations: Women in positions of power during this period often faced challenges concerning legitimacy and authority, which could have fueled Elizabeth's jealousy.
These factors contributed to the complex political landscape of the time and to the personal animosities among the women involved in the power struggles of the Russian court. Ultimately, Elizabeth's jealousy manifested in her actions, including the eventual downfall of Anna Leopoldovna and her supporters.