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Abstract. The paper examines the short period in the life of Prince A.D. Menshikov, when he became the de facto ruler of the Russian Empire after the death of Empress Catherine I in May 1727. Having pushed aside the other Regents of the young Emperor Peter II, the Prince placed him under his complete control. Illness put Menshikov out of action, but even after his recovery, for unknown reasons, he withdrew from meetings of the Supreme Privy Council and did not consider it necessary to continue to guardianship of the monarch, as a result of which he let the situation get out of control. Documents show that Menshikov was unable and did not even try to propose any program — if you do not count the issue of ten-ruble coins from a dubious alloy, the organization of the court of the Tsar’s bride (his daughter), and the lease of the Duchy of Cosel from Emperor Charles VI. As a result, the first Russian Generalissimo lost his levers of influence and in September 1727 found he helpless when Peter II easily deprived him of his favor, ranks and positions.
Keywords: A.D. Menshikov, Peter II, Supreme Privy Council, Era of Palace Coups, Favoritism.