Catherine the Great

Birth During the Enlightenment

Period: Nov 2, 1715 to Nov 2, 1800

Born during the Enlightenment, which began around 1715, Catherine read books about the Enlightenment and became familiar with its views. These ideas would later come full circle, as she displayed many Enlightenment views and based her ruling style largely on the Enlightenment philosophies.
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Lifespan

Period: Apr 21, 1729 to Nov 17, 1796

Catherine the Great was born in Stettin, Prussia and lived to be 67 years old. While rumors say otherwise, she died of a stroke in her bed.
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Education

Nov 2, 1739

Catherine the Great's overall education as a child helped develop her ideas and enhance interests as she grew older and took power in Russia. Because of the political and historical education that she received in her childhood, she was able to later take the throne. Additionally, her artistic interest led her to the foundation of the Hermitage Museum and an increase in appreciation for the arts.
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Conversion to Russian Orthodox Faith

Jun 28, 1744

Though Catherine's father was against her ideas, she converted from German Lutheran to Russian Orthodox faith. This is significant because of her sudden shift in views and how her religion would affect her and her later decisions in life. Additionally, this shift away from her German roots shows the level or devotion she had to Russia.
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Visiting Empress Elizabeth

Nov 2, 1744

Catherine's life changed after being invited to meet Empress Elizabeth and her heir, Peter. While she was ready to take her parents' orders telling who she should marry, Catherine knew that marrying the heir to the throne would give her more opportunities. Unfortunately, Catherine lived in misery for the extent of their marriage. However, her marriage gave her the opportunity to rule.
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Marriage to Peter III

Aug 21, 1745

Catherine the Great's marriage to Peter III led her to many decisions in life, shaping her perception after living miserably for years before overthrowing him.
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Affair

Nov 2, 1761

Over the years, Catherine the Great was said to have many lovers, all while married to Peter III. With each child the couple had, questions raised as to whether the baby was truly Peter's. Because of Catherine's poor marriage, she felt she needed something else, however she benefit from her "favorite" man, Gregory Orlov, when he eventually helped her take the throne from Peter.

Empress Elizabeth Passed Away

Dec 25, 1761

When Empress Elizabeth passed away, Catherine got her first opportunity as a ruler when she stepped in temporarily for Elizabeth's seven year old son.
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Gaining Power and Interest in the Arts

Jun 28, 1762

Because of the way that Peter III ruled, Catherine was compelled to improve Russia as a whole and overthrew him with the help of her lover, Grigory Orlov. This ultimately led to her gaining power and finding more of her interests in the arts, as well as enriching the the appreciation for art in Russia in theater, paintings and music.
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Separation from Peter III

Sep 22, 1762

Peter's mental and physical state in contrast to Catherine's sympathy and kindness towards the Russian people aided Catherine in overthrowing Peter III. While this may seem mostly political, Catherine's relationship with Peter was never happy, as he was regarded as mean-spirited. Catherine's disdain for Peter gave her more motive to take him from the throw and she was able to escape from the relationship.
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Renamed

Dec 8, 2016

Born Sophia, Catherine changed her name with her conversion from Lutheranism to Russian Orthodox faith. Because her parents "did not show a great deal of affection toward their daughter", Catherine's renaming could be her rebellion against her parents. On the other hand, Catherine converting religions and changing her name during the same time period show her devotion to Russia and her wanting to start again. Source