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Birth of Catherine the Great
On May 2, 1729, Catherine the Great was born Princess Sophie Friederike Auguste of Anhalt-Zerbst, in Stettin, Prussia (Magill 376-380). Catherine's father, Christian August, was Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst. He served as a general for Frederick William I of Prussia. Catherine's mother, Johanna Elisabeth, was princess of Holstein-Gottorp ("Catherine II Biography.com"). This event is significant because Catherine the Great later on became one of the longest-serving female monarchs of Russia. -
Traveled to Russia
In 1744, Catherine the Great and her mother were invited to Russia by Empress Elizabeth of St. Petersburg. Elizabeth had been engaged to Catherine's uncle, who died of smallpox, creating a connection between her and Catherine's family. She wanted to see if Catherine was suitable to marry her heir, Peter. Soon after, Catherine and Peter got engaged. This event is significant because it led to the marriage of two people who changed the country of Russia in many ways ("Catherine II Biography.com"). -
Converted to Russian Orthodoxy
On June 28, 1744, Catherine converted to the Russian Orthodox faith. She left behind her Lutheran beliefs and committed to the new religion. With the new religion, the name, Catherine, was also given to her. This event is important because it displayed Catherine's determination to rid of her German background and convert to the beliefs of the Russians (Magill 376-380). -
Married Peter III of Russia
Catherine the Great and Peter of Russia were officially married on August 21, 1745. Their marriage was very unhappy and the two did not agree with one another. There were plenty of affairs throughout the marriage. However, this event is significant because following their marriage, came a successful future for the country (Magill 376-380). -
Invention of the lightning rod
In 1752, Benjamin Franklin invented the lightning rod. ("Events and Ideas: 1700-1800). It was invented as part of his exploration of electricity. The rod attached on the top of buildings and attracted lightning strikes. This event is significant because Franklin's invention created a better understanding of electricity during this time ("The Electric Ben Franklin"). -
Beginning of Seven Years War
1756 marked the beginning of the Seven Years War, also known as the French and Indian War. England declared war on France when they expanded into the Ohio River Valley causing conflicts between the British colonies and the French. When the war began, the British were defeated many times by the French. The war ended when the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending French power in North America. This event is important because it later on led to the American Revolution ("Seven Years' War"). -
Death of Empress Elizabeth
In 1762, Empress Elizabeth died, leaving Peter the throne. He then got the name he is commonly known as, Peter III (Thomas 376). Catherine received the title of Empress Consort. However, Catherine did not feel as powerful as she had wished with the title she was given ("Catherine II Biography.com). Peter had taken control and ruled Russia the way he wanted. This event is significant because Empress Elizabeth's death was the first step to Catherine getting closer to the beginning of her reign. -
Abdication of Peter III
On June 28, 1762, Catherine and the troops of St. Petersburg arrested Peter III and forced him to abdicate. Suspecting his plan to divorce her, Catherine and her lover conspired to overthrow Peter II. The troops, led by Catherine, arrested Peter and Catherine declared herself as Catherine II, the sole ruler of Russia. This event is significant because it began the 35 year reign of Catherine the Great ("Catherine the Great Biography"). -
Wrote a guide for the education of young noble women
In 1764, Catherine wrote a guide for the education of young noble women ("Catherine the Great"). She made a point to emphasis on the education of the people. The number of schools increased during her reign. This event is significant because it shows Catherine's determination to not only help the nation succeed as a whole, but also as individuals ("10 Major Accomplishments of Catherine the Great of Russia"). -
Established Free Economic Society
Catherine the Great attempted to continue her late husband's plan to westernize Russia. In 1765, Catherine established the Free Economic Society. This was organized to encourage modernization of agriculture and industry within the country. This event is significant because it allowed Russia to consider ways to improve the empire's rural economy ("Catherine the Great, a Timeline"). -
War with Turkey
In 1768, Catherine led Russia to war against Turkey. She led the country to victory, expanding Russian power in Ottoman territory. This event is significant because it demonstrated the strength Russia had under Catherine's rule ("Catherine the Great"). -
Boston Tea Party
On December 16, 1773, three British ships were raided in Boston Harbor by American colonists, protesting the taxes put on tea by Britain. The colonists dumped chests of tea into the harbor, as a protest. This event is significant because it is one of the most important events in American history. It was an act that showed the Americans defending their right for independence. It also caused tension between the Americans and British, leading into the Revolutionary War ("Boston Tea Party"). -
Publication of Common Sense
On January 9, 1776, Thomas Paine published his pamphlet, "Common Sense". The pamphlet displayed his thoughts in favor of American independence. It advocated independence for American colonies from Britain. "Common Sense" sold at least 500,000 copies and influenced Americans' opinions on independence. This event is important because the publication of "Common Sense" contributed to America's decision to gain independence from Britain ("Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense"). -
Approval of Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the final text of the Declaration of Independence (Events and Ideas: 1700-1800). On this day, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by 13 American states. This event is significant because this day represents America as a free and independent nation. -
Treaty of Paris
On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed in Paris by the representatives of the U.S., Great Britain, Spain, and France. The signing of this document officially ended the Revolutionary War. It also signified America as a free nation. This event is significant because it was the signing of a document that formally stated that the U.S. was independent ("Treaty of Paris signed"). -
Death of Catherine the Great
On November 17, 1796, Catherine the Great died after 35 years of ruling. Catherine suffered a stroke and died in Tsarskoe Selo, Russia. Both Catherine and her late husband, Peter III were laid to rest at the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. After Catherine's death, Peter's grandson, Peter II was crowned czar. This event is significant because this is the end of Catherine the Great's reign and she left the nation in a better state (Blumberg 27-31).
