Background
In 1722, Anna arrived in Russia with her mother, who had escaped and separated from her father: her mother was considered as a candidate to the throne in 1730, but her aunt was chosen instead. In 1733, Anna converted to the Orthodox religion and given the name Anna Leopoldovna, which made her acceptable as an heir to the throne. In 1739 she married Anthony Ulrich (1714–1776), son of Ferdinand Albert, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel: he was taken to Russia already in 1733, so that she could get to know him.
On 5 October 1740 the empress Anna adopted their new-born son Ivan and proclaimed him heir to the Russian throne. A few days after this proclamation the empress died (28 October 1740), leaving directions regarding the succession, and appointing her favourite Ernest Biron, Duke of Courland, as regent.
Read more about this topic: Grand Duchess Anna Leopoldovna Of Russia
Famous quotes containing the word background:
“They were more than hostile. In the first place, I was a south Georgian and I was looked upon as a fiscal conservative, and the Atlanta newspapers quite erroneously, because they didn’t know anything about me or my background here in Plains, decided that I was also a racial conservative.”
—Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.)
“Pilate with his question “What is truth?” is gladly trotted out these days as an advocate of Christ, so as to arouse the suspicion that everything known and knowable is an illusion and to erect the cross upon that gruesome background of the impossibility of knowledge.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“In the true sense one’s native land, with its background of tradition, early impressions, reminiscences and other things dear to one, is not enough to make sensitive human beings feel at home.”
—Emma Goldman (1869–1940)