Dates: April 21, 1729 - November 17, 1796
Known for: Empress of Russia (June 28, 1762 - November 17, 1796). She's known in history as Catherine the Great -- modeled after Peter the Great -- though she eschewed the title in her lifetime.
About Catherine the Great: Born a princess in Germany, Catherine the Great converted to Orthodoxy and was married to the heir to the Russian throne, the Grand Duke Peter of Holstein, grandson of Peter the Great. Though Catherine the Great had the support of Peter's mother, the Empress Elizabeth, she disliked her husband and helped engineer his removal from the throne. She took power as Tsarina or Queen, calling herself Catherine II. Soon after, she may have been behind Peter's death.
During her reign, Catherine the Great expanded Russia's borders to the Black Sea and into central Europe. She promoted westernization and modernization though within the context of her autocratic control over Russia and increasing the control of landed gentry over serfs. Catherine the Great promoted education and the Enlightenment among the elite. She kept up a correspondence with many figures of the Enlightenment in Europe.
Catherine the Great is often remembered for her many lovers. She came to the throne with her lover Count Gregory Orlov's active support; while remaining committed to him she also took many other lovers.
Catherine the Great died in 1796, and her son Paul succeeded her to the throne.
Also Known As: Catherine II, Yekaterina II Alexeyevna
Places: Russia, 18th Century
Religion: Russian Orthodox
Bibliography:
Erickson, Carolly. Great Catherine. 1995.
Troyat, Henri. Catherine the Great. Joan Pinkham, translator. Reprint 1994.
More About Catherine the Great:
- Catherine the Great
- Women Rulers, Queens, Heads of State
- Women of Russia
- The Death of Catherine the Great
- Catherine the Great
- Russian Reforms under Catherine
Catherine the Great - Elsewhere on the Web
- Catherine and Peter: The Odd Couple: The troubled relationship between Peter and Catherine, in detail. Continues with the story of Catherine the Great's ascension to the throne at Peter's death.
- Catherine the Great: Detailed biographical sketch of Catherine the Great's life. Well-illustrated, and includes a FAQ. Written from a more personal perspective, the author rates Catherine more positively than she's often been portrayed.
- Catherine the Great Timeline: A simple, helpful timeline of events in Catherine's life and reign.
- Modern History Sourcebook: Catherine the Great: Original (translated) documents written by Catherine the Great of Russia.
- Portrait of Catherine II: From the Hillwood Museum, with comments on the importance of art and portraits to her role.
- The Romanovs: The official, post-Soviet-Union, Russian National Tourist Bureau, history of the Romanovs including Catherine.
- Tours Around St. Petersburg: Catherine the Great: Information on Catherine the Great, with a large image of a portrait. Part of an online tour.
- Treasures of the Czars: An online exhibition from the Florida International Museum, of objects from the Moscow Kremlin Museums.
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