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Birth of Catherine
Born in Szczecin, Poland -
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Growing up as royalty
She was the daughter of Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Princess Johanna Elizabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. Growing up, Catherine's parents never showed great affection towards her because they were hoping for a son. -
Marriage
When Catherine was fifteen, she received and invitation by Empress Elizabeth to meet the throne Grand Duke Peter. Soon after she converted to Russian Orthodox faith, she and the young Grand Duke married in 1745. -
Death of Empress Elizabeth
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Early Reign
Catherine started her journey to power in 1762. Her main focuses were to secure her position as an empress before anything major. -
Catherine crowned
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Attempts at reform
By 1764 Catherine felt secure enough to begin work on reform, or improving social conditions -
Expansion of borders
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Dealing with war
Foreign affairs began to demand Catherine's attention around this time. Soon Turkey and Austria joined in by supporting the revolution in Poland. -
Death of Catherine
