Anton Ulrich Braunschweig Father of the Russian Emperor Ivan VI Antonovich Date of Birth: 28.08.1714 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Family
2. Marriage to Anna Leopoldovna
3. Elevation of Ivan VI to the Throne
4. Reign of Anna Leopoldovna
5. Downfall and Exile
6. Family and Legacy

Anton Ulrich, Duke of Brunswick-Bevern-Lüneburg: The Father of Ivan VI of Russia

Early Life and Family

Prince Anton Ulrich was the second son of Ferdinand Albert II, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, and Antoinette Amalie of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. He was the nephew of Frederick II, King of Prussia, and the brother of the renowned Prussian general Duke Ferdinand of Brunswick and Juliane Marie, who became Queen of Denmark.

Marriage to Anna Leopoldovna

When Empress Anna of Russia sought a husband for her niece, Princess Anna of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, she chose Anton Ulrich under the influence of the Austrian court. Anton arrived in Russia in 1733 and was raised alongside Anna in the hopes of fostering an attachment. However, Anna despised her betrothed, finding him short, effeminate, and limited. Despite this, they were married in 1739, and their first child, Ivan, was born in 1740.

Elevation of Ivan VI to the Throne

As Empress Anna lay dying, she declared Ivan VI her heir and appointed Ernst Johann von Biron as regent. Anton Ulrich was unhappy with this arrangement but lacked the courage to challenge it. Amidst growing discontent within the guard against Biron, Anton Ulrich was implicated in a conspiracy and was forced to resign his military positions.

Reign of Anna Leopoldovna

Following Biron's overthrow, Anna Leopoldovna became regent and Anton Ulrich was proclaimed Generalissimo of the Russian Army on November 11, 1740. However, their reign was short-lived.

Downfall and Exile

In December 1741, a coup d'état brought Elizabeth Petrovna to the throne. Elizabeth initially planned to expel the Brunswick family from Russia. However, they were arrested and imprisoned in various fortresses. In 1744, they were finally confined to Kholmogory in the Archangel Governorate.

Family and Legacy

In addition to Ivan VI, who was murdered in 1764, Anna Leopoldovna and Anton Ulrich had four other children: Catherine, Elizabeth, Peter, and Alexei. Anna died shortly after giving birth to Alexei in 1746. Anton Ulrich's legacy is tainted by his inability to assert his authority and protect his family during their time of turmoil. He remained a captive until his death in 1776.