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Catherine The Great was born
Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, was born on May 2, 1729. She was brought into this world in Stettin, Germany. Her mother was Joanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp and Chrisian August, and her father was Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst. She was educated early on. Her main focus was on history, French, German, and music. This is a significant event because Catherine would later become an important part of Russia's history and make a huge impact as a ruler (Catherine the Great). -
Anna of Russia died
Anna of Russia had ruled from 1730-1740. Her rule was cut short when she died tragically due to a kidney disease in 1740. It was during a dinner when she fell unconscious. A few minutes after, she passed. Anna is buried the Cathedral of the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg. This event is important to the history of the world because it ended her rule and began the start of a new ruler and era (saint-petersburg.com). -
Ben Franklin discovered electricity
In 1752, Ben Franklin discovered electricity. Franklin conducted the iron rod experiment. He had a kite with a metal key at the end of it. During a thunderstorm, he stood outside waiting for the lighting to hit. When lightning struck, electricity traveled down the kite and collected in his Leyden Jar. This event is important to history because it would change technology forever. Today, almost everything is powered with electricity (mentalfloss.com). -
French and Indian War began
French expanded its land into the Ohio River Valley which brought conflict with the British colonies. A series of battles occurred until Britain officially declared war in 1756. Also known as the Seven Years war, it lasted from 1756-1763. This event is important to world history because it was a step towards the American Revolution and gave Great Britain many territorial gains making it more powerful than before (history.com). -
Diplomatic Revolution began
The Diplomatic Revolution was the end of long time alliances in Europe. Austria went from being an ally of Britain to supporting France as an ally. Prussia stepped in and became Britain's ally. On May 1, 1757, Russia became a part of the Franco-Austrian military. This was under the Second Treaty of Versailles. This event is important to the history of the world because many countries changed allies which stated who they trusted in war and in peace
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Catherine married Grand Duke Peter III
When Catherine was only 16, she married Grand Duke Peter III to the throne. The two had very little in common which caused their relationship to not be a healthy one. Peter was later assassinated and Catherine was suspected to have something to do with the set up. Catherine was crowned in a ceremony in Moscow and began her reign as Catherine II. This event is significant because this is how Catherine came to the throne and the start of her reign (Rice 130). -
A war against the Turks breaks out
Catherine believed it was important for Russia to have a warm water port in the Black Sea, which was in Turkish lands. This was a major cause of the Turkish war. Russia invaded and the war officially began in 1768. Russia took over the Ottoman empire and had many victories. After years of fighting, gains, losses, and allies, the war finally came to an end in 1774. This is a significant event because Russia gained territory from it (Thomas 176). -
Boston Massacre
On the streets of Boston in 1770, a brutal quarrel went down that will forever be remembered by Americans. It started as an argument between a colonist and a British soldier. Things escalated when angry colonists began throwing rocks and stones at the soldiers. The end resulted with five dead colonists after the British soldiers shot into the mob. This event is important to world history because it is a controversial topic on who's at fault and it led to the American Revolution(history.com). -
Catherine The Great introduced a new local government system
Peter I left the throne with unsolved problems of local administration. Catherine The Great took it upon herself to introduce a new local government system in 1775. The structure of Catherine’s government lasted up until the 19th century. This structure was established based upon the the provinces of 1775 and portrayed self administration. This is a significant event because this made a huge impact on Russia and how it was controlled(catherinethegreatfromrussia.weebly.com) (Russia). -
Catherine formed a Commission Convention
In 1767, Catherine gathered delegates from all provinces to form a Commision Convention. Her goal was to find out what her people wanted in order to frame a constitution. For months, debates would occur at these conventions but they never came to a solid conclusion. Catherine’s instruction was to draft a constitution and code of law, but was considered too liberal to be published in France. This is significant because it led to the creation of laws made in Russia (Oldenbourg-idalie). -
Articles of Confederation was written
The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution for the United States. It was first written in 1777 but had to be ratified. Under the Articles of Confederation, the states remained independent and Congress was allowed to make treaties and alliances. Although, the central government was weak which was a main cause for its ratification. This is important to history because it led to the writing of the Constitution (history.com). -
The Treaty of Georgievsk was signed
In 1783, Catherine The Great and King Herekle signed the Treaty of Georgievsk. The treaty made Kartli Kakheti a protectorate of the Russian empire. The Treaty of Georgievsk stated that Catherine were to defend Georgia and that the King had to forget about their dependence on Iran and become self sufficient. This treaty was constructed to be permanent and have a long time effect. It is significant because it ended the war and created peace.
(catherinethegreatfromrussia.weebly.com) (Rice 135) -
Catherine provided an educational system
Catherine believed that education was important for a country. In 1786, she adopted plans to create an educational system. Out of her plan came new schools all over the country. Unfortunately, she was not able to complete her entire plan for education throughout the country. This event is significant because it showed how much she cared for her country and is a step of action Catherine took for the better (Galebiography.com). -
Part of the Black Sea was won
In 1792, Catherine won a part of the Black Sea for her country. Russia had expanded greatly, westward and southward, over 200,000 square miles each. Also, because of the gain of the Black Sea, Russian rulers had access of the Bosporus Strait which had always been a dream. Catherine was on her way to bringing success for Russia. This is significant because Russia got what they wanted and became more powerful (Catherine The Great Empress of Russia)(www.catherinethegreatfromrussia.weebly.com). -
Poland was divided between Russia, Prussia, and Austria
In 1795, Poland’s territories were divided between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. This is known as Poland Partition. The first partition was with Russia while they were in war. Poland responded with an uprising led by Tadeusz Kościuszko. In order to put the uprising to an end, an agreement was made in 1795 which divided the remaining parts of Poland between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. This is significant because Poland became weaker but Russia and its allies gained land (Partitions of Poland). -
Catherine The Great dies
As years passed on Catherine’s heir gave her great troubles. Paul I has become violent with emotions causing her to doubt his ability to rule with her. She took in consideration of naming her oldest son, Alexander, as her successor. After 35 years of ruling, Catherine the Great died on November 6, 1796. The cause of her passing, at the age of 67, was a stroke. This is significant because it was the end of Catherine The Great's life and heir (Catherine The Great Empress of Russia) (Thomas 176).
