Regency
Biron, however, had made himself an object of detestation to the Russian people, and after Biron had threatened to exile Anna and her spouse to Germany, Anna Leopoldovna had little difficulty in overthrowing him (8 November 1740). She then assumed the regency, and took the title of Grand Duchess, but she knew little of the character of the people with whom she had to deal, knew even less of the conventions and politics of Russian government, and speedily quarrelled with her principal supporters.
According to a Dictionary of Russian History, she ordered an investigation of the garment industry when new uniforms received by the military were found to be of inferior quality. When the investigation revealed inhuman conditions she issued decrees mandating a minimum wage and maximum working hours in that industry as well as the establishment of medical facilities at every garment factory.
She also presided over a brilliant victory by Russian forces at the Battle of Villmanstrand in Finland after Sweden had declared war against her Government. She had an influential favourite, Julia Mengden.
In December 1741, the daughter of Peter the Great, who, from her habits was a favourite with the soldiers, excited the guards to revolt, overcame the insignificant opposition, and ascended the throne as empress Elizabeth. This coup was supported by the ambassadors of France and Sweden, possibly with financial inducements to members of the Guard's regiments who wanted to change the pro-British and pro-Austrian policies of Anna Leopoldovna's Government.
Read more about this topic: Grand Duchess Anna Leopoldovna Of Russia