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Who Was Catherine the Great?

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Who Was Catherine the Great? (Who Was?)

by Pam Pollack

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	112 pages

Early Life and Background

Catherine the Great, born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst in 1729, was a German princess who ascended to the throne of Russia through a remarkable series of events. Her father, Christian August, was a minor prince, and her mother, Johanna Elisabeth, was the daughter of a German duke. Catherine's early life was marked by poverty and political instability.

In 1744, at the age of 15, Catherine was chosen by Empress Elizabeth of Russia to be the bride of her nephew, Grand Duke Peter. The marriage was arranged as part of Elizabeth's plans to secure the succession to the Russian throne.

Rise to Power

Peter III, as Grand Duke Peter became known, was a weak and unstable ruler. Catherine quickly gained influence over him, and when he ascended to the throne in 1762, she became the de facto ruler of Russia.

On July 9, 1762, Catherine organized a coup d'état against her husband. Peter III was overthrown and murdered, and Catherine declared herself Empress of Russia.

Reign and Accomplishments

Catherine the Great's reign marked a period of significant growth and expansion for Russia. She was a strong supporter of the Enlightenment and implemented a number of reforms to modernize the country.

Expansion of Territory: Catherine expanded the bFree Downloads of Russia through a series of conquests and diplomatic maneuvers. She acquired Crimea from the Ottoman Empire and extended Russia's influence in Poland and the Baltic states.
Enlightened Despotism: Catherine was a patron of the arts and sciences. She established the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and encouraged the development of education and culture in Russia.
Administrative Reforms: Catherine reorganized the Russian government and established a more efficient system of administration. She created new provinces and introduced a new system of taxation.
Legal Reforms: Catherine issued a new law code that codified Russian law and introduced reforms to the judicial system.

Relationship with Grigory Potemkin

Grigory Potemkin was a Russian general and statesman who played a significant role in Catherine's reign. He was her close confidant and lover, and he helped her to implement her ambitious plans for Russia.

Potemkin was a brilliant military commander and led Russia to victory in several wars against the Ottoman Empire. He also played a key role in the conquest of Crimea and the expansion of Russian territory in the south.

Legacy and Impact

Catherine the Great died in 1796 at the age of 67. She left behind a legacy of a strong and prosperous Russia that had become a major power in Europe.

Catherine is considered one of the greatest rulers in Russian history. She was a brilliant strategist, a skilled diplomat, and a patron of the arts and sciences. Her reign marked a turning point in Russian history and set the stage for the country's future growth and development.

Catherine the Great was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on Russian history. Her reign was a period of great change and expansion, and she played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Russian history.

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