1755 The first Russian university is founded at Moscow.
1756 The first Russian public theatre is established at St. Petersburg. Three years later another theatre is established at Moscow.
1757 The Russians under Apraxin defeat at Jägerndorf the Prussians under Lewald.
1758 The Russians under Fermor are defeated by Frederick the Great at Zorndorf. The Academy of Fine Arts is established at St. Petersburg.
1759 Saltikov defeats Frederick at Kunersdorf.
1760 The Russians plunder Berlin.
1762 Death of Elizabeth. She is succeeded by her nephew, Peter III, son of her sister Anna. He makes peace with Frederick, restores to him east Prussia, which was entirely in the hands of the Russians, and orders his army to aid Frederick against the Austrians. Peter issues an ukase freeing the nobility from the obligation of entering upon some state employment; is assassinated and is succeeded by his wife, Catherine. Catherine recalls the Russian armies from Prussia.
1764 Assassination of Prince Ivan. Resumption of the ecclesiastical lands with their one million serfs by the state.
1766-68 A great sobor is convened, first at Moscow and then at St. Petersburg, for the compilation of a new code. It fails of its object.
1767 An ukaze forbids serfs to bring complaints against their masters, who were authorised to send them at will to Siberia or to force them into the army.