In addition to abolishing the mandatory service of the gentry, Peter III made (or prepared to make) another changes:
- Abolished the fearsome Secret Chancery (re-established by Catherine II as the Secret Expedition);
- Declared the freedom of religion (revoked by Catherine);
- Ordered the persecutions of Old Believers to be stopped (resumed by Catherine);
- Freed the monastery-owned serfs;
- Permitted the gentry to travel abroad freely (canceled by Catherine);
- Introduced the publicity of court proceedings (canceled by Catherine);
- Ordered military and civil officials to be rewarded with orders and ranks only, but not with serfs (resumed by Catherine immediately upon the coup); and more.
No wonder that the coup was actually greeted by a few outside the circle of Guards officers headed by the Orlov brothers. It also explains why the Pugachev revolt (under the Peter III's banner) was so widely supported.
Readings that I have done concerning Peter III seem to give me the historical impression that he was, albeit not seen at the time, the first true egalitarian ruler of the modern eras, being quite liberal and wishing to see humanity served and honored amongst his people. There is a further study that I have conducted with viewpoints of contexts between Elizabeth who ruled prior to him, and her own entanglements of powers. In truth, the family that got mixed up with Czarena Catherine II, were the same who had enjoyed great priviledges and powers under Elizabeth, entirely unchecked, in fact. I researched, and discovered that it seems that likely the "coup-de'tat" was a savage betrayal with a financial purpose. The makers of the coins of the treasury had stripped the coins only half way and reminted existing with half the measure of silver, and pocketed the rest. Peter III was in their way. One such coin is held in the Yale University Library. I also do believe that all of Catherine II's children were born from him, and that the lies of his and hers not getting along are likewise a fiction enough to cover up the crimes. Of course, this is my own opinion after studying with a view of orientation, that Peter III was not as the books have painted him. I looked at the changes that he made and attempted to make. I further look upon the later alienation of the original criminals when she created the first set of codified laws of Russia. I perceived she to be of like mind with Peter III, rather than disconnected from his. History is a server of men who have tongues to wag it.
