Catherine the Great

Born

May 2, 1729

Catherine the Great was born as Sophia Augusta Fredericka.

Brother Died

Dec 17, 1741

Catherine's younger brother, Wilhelm Christian, died at age twelve. Her mother spent much of her time with Wilhelm instead of Catherine before he died.

Education from Tutors

Aug 5, 1742

Catherine learned German, French, and Russian. She was also educated on religion, which she questioned.

Invited to St. Petersburg

Nov 10, 1743

Empress Elizabeth invited Catherine and her mother over to see if Catherine would be a suitable wife for her heir, Grand Duke Peter.

Traveled to Russia

Feb 27, 1744

Catherine and her mother traveled to Russia. Her mother found her as a way she could gain power.

Grows Sick

Mar 11, 1744

While in Russia, Catherine fell ill which created a conflict between her mother and Elizabeth. But, she continued to grow closer to Grand Duke Peter.

Marriage

Apr 23, 1744

Catherine marries Peter, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, a grandson of Peter I the Great.

Son is Born

Oct 1, 1754

Her first son, Paul, is born who later succeeds her after she dies.

Peter III Dies

Jul 11, 1762

It is assumed that Catherine the Great had Peter III killed so she could gain power of Russia.

Formed Legislative Commission

Jun 25, 1767

Catherine brought Russians from across the empire to talk about the country's needs and problems for the first time.

Grandson is Born

Dec 23, 1777

The future Alexander I is born, whom Catherine had hoped to succeed her after she died.

Toured Crimea

Apr 21, 1787

Catherine looked at these fake communities created by her lover, Prince Gregory Potemkin, as she tried to impress European monarchs and satisfy her vanity.

Dies

Nov 17, 1796

Catherine dies due to a heart attack and was found unconscious on the bathroom floor.