8 - The Senate and the eclipse of Menshikov, 1709–1715

Summary

After Poltava the pace of change quickened. From the first of the year 1710 the new gubernias were in place and operating, and early in 1711 Peter established the Senate in place of the Privy Chancellery. Henceforth the Senate was the center of Russian government, and Peter directed most of his important correspondence and decrees to that body. Furthermore, the years from 1710 saw the rebuilding of a court, this time on the European model, that formed much of the setting for Russian politics. In the war with Sweden these years were ones of continuing success, the conquest of the Baltic provinces and Finland, along with the acquisition of allies in Denmark and Prussia in addition to the old Saxon–Polish alliance. These were also the years of the pinnacle of Menshikov's power and his fall from grace in the scandals that began in summer 1713.

Temporarily a new coalition at court challenged his influence and power, and seemed to be poised for victory. The leaders of this coalition were the Dolgorukiis, above all Prince Vasilii Vladimirovich, Peter's trusted adjutant, and his uncle Prince Iakov Fyodorovich in the Senate. Around them grouped others, including Sheremetev and his family and clients, and eventually Iaguzhinskii, all of whom hated Menshikov for one reason or another.