Catherine the Great timeline.

Sophia Augusta Fredericka was born on May 2nd, 1729, in Stettin, Prussia (in present-day Poland). She eventually became one of five children, as she had two brothers and two sisters. Sophia would later take the name Catherine when she married the Grand Duke Peter of Russia. This event is important because she became one of the most well-known Russian leaders in history, even though she was a German princess by birth (Blumberg 27-28).

In the year 1739, a revolt in South Carolina caused about 75 slaves with stolen weapons to run away towards Spanish Florida. However, this revolt was quickly squashed by the militia in South Carolina. This event is important because it demonstrated the power of those in the British colonies becoming stronger and fighting for what they believed in. It showed that they could eventually become a threat to Britain (18th Century).

The War of Austrian Succession began in 1740 and lasted until 1748. The sides in the war were France and Prussia against Austria and Britain. The war was fought in order to determine who would become the next ruler of Austria and it started when Frederick the Great invaded Austria unexpectedly. This event in Catherine's life was important because it took place in the countries around her and could have affected her allies and the people she controlled (18th Century).

Sophia Augusta Fredericka married the Grand Duke Peter of Russia in August of 1745 at the age of 16. Her engagement to him taught her how to use her mind and exercise self-control when she was angry with him. When they got married, she agreed to change her name from Sophia to Catherine and change her religion from Lutheran to Russian Orthodox. This event is important because Catherine was very determined to become more Russian and prove herself to the people of Russia (Blumberg 28).

During the year of 1754, Jean Jacques Rousseau publishes a book, titled "Discourse on the Origins of Inequality." The book describes how Rousseau prefers a simpler, less modern way of life, but how he accepts that the world will never return to what it was once like before civilization erupted. The publishing of this book was important because it influenced the thoughts of those who read it and persuaded people that a simpler life was a better life (18th Century).

Catherine II gave birth to her son Paul in September of 1754 after two miscarriages. Catherine had many affairs throughout her life because she felt neglected by her husband. As a result, no one knows if Paul's father was Peter III, or Sergei Saltykov, the chamberlain of Peter's court. As his life progressed, Peter was ignored and neglected by his mother. This event is significant because Paul would later become Czar Paul I, after his mother's untimely death in 1796 (Rice 130-131).

Catherine II was crowned Czarina of Russia on Sept. 22nd, 1762, after the death of her husband Peter III two months earlier. Because Catherine was technically a foreigner, she had no rights to the throne. However, she was well-liked by the people when her husband died, so this technicality was overlooked.The throne should have gone to Ivan VI, but he was imprisoned at the time. This event is significant because Catherine would become one of the longest-ruling female leaders of Russia (Rice 138).

Catherine the Great established the Hermitage Museum in the year of 1764. During just her reign of rule, Catherine managed to gather a collection big enough to rival older museums in Europe. The establishment of the Hermitage is significant because it provides people today with the ability to examine both art and artifacts from hundreds of years ago. By amassing such a big collection, Catherine made it possible for today's generations to study and learn about the past (History).

In June of 1767, Catherine II made a group known as the Legislative Commission to change old laws and make them agree with the "Instruction," which was something she wrote to guide those who were reforming the legal system. Unfortunately, the group made no progress and Catherine discontinued the meetings after about a year. This event is significant because it proves that Catherine was intelligent, wanted to improve Russia, and thought like people well-ahead of her time (Encyclopedia.com).

During 1772, Russia, Prussia, and Austria annexed a part of the Polish land in the First Partition of Poland. This was the first of three Partitions. As a result of the partition, Russia received its first grasp of coastal land along the Black Sea, and Russians were allowed to sail on the Black Sea. This event was significant because Catherine got a hold of some good coastal land, which is better for trading with other countries and she was also able to make peace with Turkey (Encyclopedia.com).

On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by our founding fathers, officially declaring the United States a new country, free from Britain. Britain saw this as an act of rebellion, and not everyone in America agreed with this development. This event in Catherine's life was important because it marked the beginning of a new country that would eventually become very strong, and a new home for immigrants from around the world (18th Century).

During the year of 1782, Japan faced a famine because bad weather destroyed their crops. People got so desperate that they resorted to eating roots, cats, and dogs. Some people decided to resort to cannibalism because they were that desperate for food. The famine in Japan was significant because thousands of people died and Japan's economy fell into chaos (18th Century).

In 1785, Napoleon Bonaparte became a lieutenant in the French army. This event in Catherine's life was important because Napoleon would soon begin to take over the majority of Europe. Also, everyone would see Napoleon conquer and unite almost all of Europe, even if it was only for a short amount of time. Catherine and her people were most likely affected by Napoleon's actions at some point in time (18th Century).

During the year of 1793, Catherine the Great and the leaders of both Austria and Prussia seized more land from Poland, in what is known as the Second Partition of Poland.This Partition was the second of three, made until Poland was wiped off the map. France was in chaos, so the leaders took the opportunity to gain more land for their own growing countries. This event is significant because Catherine was always trying to expand Russia and improve the Russian way of life (18th Century).

In the year of 1795, the final parts of Poland were annexed in the Third Partition of Poland. After all three Partitions had taken place, Russia had gained more than half of Poland, while Austria and Prussia got what was left. The Third Partition of Poland was important because it gave Russia access to the Baltic Sea, and from the Baltic Sea the Atlantic Ocean. Having access to open water was essential for good trade and transportation between Russia and foreign countries (Encyclopedia.com).

On November 6th, 1796, Catherine II died of a stroke. She was found alone and unconscious lying on her bathroom floor. Her family and others close to her were quickly notified. Everyone except her son Paul, who was always overlooked by his mother, was upset that the beloved Catherine would soon be passing on. She became Catherine the Great posthumously because of her "superb success" in life. This event is significant because it cleared the way for Paul to become the next Czar (Rice 155-156).

Catherine the Great

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