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Catherine the Great's Birth
Catherine II was born as a German on May 2, 1729 in Stettin, Prussia, or present day Szczecin, Poland (Kochan 12). -
Catherine Marries Peter III
When Catherine turned sixteen, she had to marry the Grand Duke of Russia Peter III. She had to change her name from Sophie Fredericke Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst to Catherine II (Rice 76). -
Catherine the Great Westernizes Russia
Catherine expanded Russia by their win against the Turks in a war, which expanded their boundaries southward. Also, she expanded Russia’s boundaries westward by joining Austria and Prussia in a war against Poland (Thomas 171). -
Catherine Becomes Czarina of Russia
When Empress Elizabeth died in January 1762, Peter tried to get rid of Catherine. Though, Catherine had the support of the public and the army and was proclaimed czarina on July 9, 1762. Peter III was abdicated and was assassinated eight days later (Rice 83). -
Catherine Establishes the Smolny Institute
The Smolny Institute was the first women's educational institution in Russia and paved the way for women's education in the country. Catherine also enjoyed a reputation for being a patron of arts, education and culture, and writing a guide for the education of young noble women (Kochan 63). -
Catherine Becomes a Follower in the Enlightenment
The Enlightenment is a revolution that changed our thoughts in science, philosophy, society and politics in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Catherine the Great becomes a follower in the Enlightenment because of her passion for writing. She was also the most intelligent and informed person in the court system (Kochan 54) -
Catherine the Great Creates "The Instruction"
"The Instruction"is a document that recommended liberal, humanitarian political theories for use as the basis of government reform and the formulation of a new legal code. This is a significant event because it was her first major reform (Kochan 52). -
Catherine Goes to War With Turkey
The war is started when Russia tried to establish a warm-water port on the Black Sea, which belonged to the Turks. This event is significant because it inspired the patriotism in Catherine's subjects and Catherine expanded Russia's boundaries southward (Rice 41). -
Pope Clement XIII Dies
Pope Clement XIII was born on March 7, 1693 in Venice, Italy, and died on February 2, 1769 (Clement XIII). -
Boston Massacre
The Boston Massacre was a massacre between British soldiers and citizens, killing three people. This massacre was a result from the Townshend Acts. Paul Revere was famous for an engraving called the "Bloody Massacre in Kings Street in Boston." (Boston Massacre) -
Catherine Wins War Against Turkey
Russia wins war against the Turks. This is significant because it was part of the westernization of Russia and helped expand the country southward (Kochan 43). -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress met after the battles of Lexington and Concord. The meetings were about whether or not they wanted to separate from Great Britain. Some members wanted immediate independence and others wanted to remain loyal to King George III (Second Continental Congress). -
Benedict Arnold Commits Treason
A former American hero, General Benedict Arnold became a "traitor" when he discussed handing over West Point to the British in return for a large sum of money and a high position in the British army (Benedict Arnold commits treason). -
French Revolution
The French Revolution is a revolution in France in which the monarchy was overthrown and radical restructing was forced upon the Roman Catholic Church (French Revolution). -
Thermidorian Reaction
The Thermidorian Reaction was a revolution against the leaders of the Jacobin Club who had dominated the Committee of Public Safety during the French Revolution (Thermidorian Reaction). -
Death of Catherine the Great
Catherine died in 1796 from a stroke which caused her to fall into a coma, but she never recovered. Her oldest son, Paul who is thought to be Peter's son came to power after her death (Thomas 174).
