-
Birth
Catherine the Great was born on May 2, 1729, in Szczecin, Poland. Catherine was actually Polish. She was also originally named Sophie Friederike Auguste, -
Invitation
In 1744, Catherine was invited to Russia by Czarina Elizabeth who was the Empress of Russia at the time. Elizabeth had invited Catherine and her mother over to Russia because she was looking for a bride for her chosen heir, Peter. Elizabeth was intrested in Catherine and wanted her to be Peter's bride. Catherine agreed on this on the spot. -
Marriage
On August 21, 1745, Catherine married Grand Duke Peter. This made Catherine part of the Russian royal family and changed her religion from Lutheranism to the Russian Orthodox faith. The change of religion also made her change her name from Sophie to Catherine. Although Catherine married Peter, they were not a happy pair. Peter would spend more time with mistresses than his own wife. -
The Throne and Catherine's Husband
In January 1762, Elizabeth had passed away. Peter, her heir, took the throne after her passing him making him the Emporer. His wife, Catherine, was given the title Empress Consort. Catherine did not influence his ruling at all for Peter was not fond of her and preferred his mistresses. -
Conspiracy
Catherine had conspired against her husband with many others to strip the throne from Peter, After six months, she was able to overthrow Peter. She had done this in a coup. After his power was taken he ended up dying and it is unknown whether Ctaherine had anything to do with his death. -
Legislative Commission
The Legislative Commission was a commission made from delegates with different social classes and economic classes. Catherine had assembled this, and they met in 1767. It was the very first time that Russians came together from across the empire to discuss the situations and problems of the Empire. The Nazka (a legal system that Catherine made) was now considered equal as Catherine was a enlightened ruler and not a complete absolutist. -
Decree of Serfs
The Decree of Serfs declared that peasants were forced to obey their landlords fully. If peasants rebelled against their landlords, then they were to be arrested. It was read in Churches for all to hear and know about. -
Victories and Expansion
In 1767 through 1774, Catherine had won military conflicts. This event proved that Russia was powerful and not to be reckoned with. During this time, Catherine also expanded Russia. Catherine also signed a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire inviting new land to Russia. -
Grigory Potemkin
During her ruling, she had met a man named Grigory Potemkin. Grigory Potemkin ended up being her lover. He was also her advisor and supported Catherine. He took over territories in her name and gave her encouragement. -
Death
On November 17, 1796, Catherine passed away. It is said that she built an orphanage for children. She stayed machiavellian during her ruling. She left a great impact on Russia giving her the name "Catherine the Great."
