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Birth
Catherine The Great was born Sophia Augusta Frederica on May 2, 1729 in Szczecin, Poland. She was born into the parents of Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Joanna Elisabeth of Holstein- Gottorp. Her parents, who wanted a son, didn't show much affection towards her. (Blumberg, Arnold 74). -
First American Public Library
The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and a group of his friends, became the first American subscription library. The Library Company, while founded as a membership library, did allow members to borrow books, and so may have been the first truly public library. This event is significant to the history of the world because it led to to creation of many more libraries around the world, that we still use today. (18th Century Timeline: 1701 to 1800). -
Education
Catherine the Great was educated by tutors, including religious studies with a military chaplain, but she questioned much of what he taught her. She also learned three languages, German, French, and Russian. She spent a great deal of time reading enlightenment philosphies and novels that helped shape her into the ruler she would eventually become. (Catherine II). -
England declares War
in 1739, England declared War on Spain called the War of Jenkins' Ear. It was an armed conflict between Britain and Spain, caused from longstanding Anglo-Spanish conflict because of British trading activities in the Spanish Caribbean. In 1746, they both game to an agreement and tensions decreased between the two countries. This event is significant because the peace between the countries led them to being allies, which helped in future wars. (18th Century Timeline: 1701 to 1800). -
Marriage to the Grand Duke
Catherine the Great spent lot's of time traveling, and when she traveled to Russia wither her mother, she met the Grand Duke. When they got married, she converted to the Russian orthodox faith after becoming a grand duchess. Also, she got her name, Catherine, at this point in life. The marriage was unhappy on her account; filled with cheating, fighting, and dishonesty by both of them. Catherine spent most of her time on her hobbies, which included reading. (Catherine II). -
The Iron Act
In 1750, the Iron Act got passed by English Parliament to encourage iron production in the colonies. It provided for duty-free importation of pig iron and bar iron into any English port. The British policy was successful of ending the manufactue of finished iron goods in the colonies. This event is significant to world history because it led to English industrialization that further led to dramatic economic changes for present day America. (18th Century Timeline: 1701 to 1800). -
French and Indian War Begins
In 1754, the French and Indian War begins when France’s expansion into the Ohio River valley arose conflict into the British colonies. A series of battles led to the official British declaration of war in 1756. The British led with victories at Louisbourg, Fort Frontenac and Quebec. But, in 763 the British received the territories of Canada and Florida, opening the Mississippi Valley to westward expansion. This event increased American territory. (18th Century Timeline: 1701 to 1800). -
Death of Empress Elizabeth
After the death of the empress, Peter took the role of emperor while Catherine became the new empress. Catherine held lots of power that Peter had created in the government. Many wanted to overthrow him and take control. However, they underestimated Catherine and the role she intended to play. Even through the invasion of troops at St. Petersburg, Catherine was able to take control of Russia and declare herself the sole ruler. Peter was arrested and eventually killed. (Kochan). -
Proclamation of 1763
The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III following Great Britain's gain of French territory in North America. This forbid all settlement past a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains. The Proclamation was designed to calm the fears of Native Indians by making the westward expansion by colonists. It also expanded the trade route for the Indians. It later led o an increase in trade. (18th Century Timeline: 1701 to 1800). -
Creation of the Hermitage Museum
In 1764, Catherine created the Hermitage Museum, also known as the Winter Palace. It was originally built for Empress Elizabeth, but when she died it got passed down to Catherine. The Winter Palace was the main residence of the Russian Tsars. It is located on the bank of the Neva River and is perhaps St. Petersburg's most impressive attraction. In 1764 Catherine had put 255 paintings in the Museum, and today there are more than 2,7 million. (Catherine the Great Biography). -
Great Instruction of 1767
In 1767, Catherine the Great created the Instruction of 1767. The Instruction of 1767 was written as a guide for a legislative commission to consider reforms and devise a new code of laws. The Instruction generally favored the creation of a society of free individuals acting with the law. However, it had little impact on Russia because when the commission adjourned, it hadn't prepared a legal code. (18th Century Timeline: 1701 to 1800). -
An End to Serfdom
Much of Russia was living as serfs or slaves in the 18th century, and Catherine decided to put an end to this. Their living conditions were very horrible, and as leader, Catherine could not tolerate it. In 1767 her government published a decree stating an end to serfdom. It later comes back to her, when Peter II staged an insurrection. (Catherine the Great Biography). -
Expansion of Russian Borders
In 1768, Catherine the Great expanded the borders of Russia. She took Crimea from the Turks in 1783. Her purpose was to take control of the Black Sea. Aside from temporary control, she used the strategy of overpopulating the place in favor of supporters for the Russians. She also expanded the borders through Poland in order to take control of the Black Sea. (Kochan). -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre began when British soldiers came to Boston and let loose a volley of shots. Three people were killed and two died of injuries. Among the victims was Crispus Attucks, a man of black or Indian parentage. The British officer in charge, Capt. Thomas Preston, was arrested for manslaughter, along with eight of his men. The Boston Massacre is remembered as a key event in helping to influence the colonial public to the Patriot cause. (18th Century Timeline: 1701 to 1800). -
Educational System
Catherine the Great aimed at making a new educational system for Russia. She wrote numerous books, pamphlets and educational materials aimed at improving Russia’s education system. It took her over three years to just produce the new system. Catherine had a boarding school established for girls from noble families in St. Petersburg, and later called for free schools to be created in towns across Russia. (Kochan). -
Death
On November 17, 1796, Catherine the Great suddenly died of what;s believed to be a stroke. Her fame and glory encouraged many future leaders and czars of Russia and she influenced some more major changes to Russia. She was succeeded by her son, Paul III. (Kochan).
