Catherine the Great: Last Empress of Russia and an Extraordinary Monarch

Early Life and Rise to Power

Catherine the Great was born Sophia Augusta Fredericka in Stettin, Prussia, on May 2, 1729. Her father was Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and her mother was Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. Catherine received a privileged education, studying history, literature, and languages.

Catherine The Great: Last Empress Of Russia

by Michael W. Simmons

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In 1744, Catherine married Grand Duke Peter III of Russia. The marriage was an unhappy one, and Catherine soon began to plot against her husband. In 1762, with the support of the Russian military, Catherine overthrew Peter III and ascended to the throne as empress of Russia.

Reign and Reforms

Catherine the Great's reign lasted for 34 years, making her one of the longest-serving monarchs in Russian history. During her reign, Catherine implemented numerous reforms that modernized and strengthened the Russian Empire.

Catherine was an enlightened absolutist, believing that the monarch should use their power to promote the welfare of their people. She established new schools and hospitals, reformed the legal system, and encouraged economic development. Catherine also expanded the Russian Empire, annexing new territories in the west and south.

Catherine's Legacy

Catherine the Great is widely regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Russian history. Her reforms helped to modernize and strengthen the Russian Empire, and she played a key role in Russia's rise to power as a major European power.

Catherine the Great is also remembered for her patronage of the arts and sciences. She founded the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, which houses one of the world's largest collections of art. Catherine also supported writers and scholars, and her court was a center of Enlightenment thought.

Catherine the Great died in St. Petersburg on November 17, 1796. She was succeeded by her son, Paul I.

Catherine the Great was a complex and fascinating figure. She was a ruthless and ambitious ruler, but she also had a brilliant mind and a deep love for Russia. Her reforms helped to modernize and strengthen the Russian Empire, and she played a key role in Russia's rise to power as a major European power.

Catherine the Great is a reminder that even in the most turbulent times, great leaders can emerge to guide their people to a brighter future.

Catherine The Great: Last Empress Of Russia

by Michael W. Simmons

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2787 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	160 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE