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Birth
Born with the name Princess Sophia Augusta Fredricka in Germany, Catherine was born into royalty by parents Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Princess Johanna Elizabeth of Holstein-Gottorp.
Picture: Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst -
Early Years
Catherine was a very intelligent young woman, who spent a lot of time reading enlightenment philosophies and novels that helped to shape her into the ruler that she was. -
Marriage
She was married off to the Grand Duke Peter, who was mentally unstable and their marriage was very unhappy, filled with cheating, fighting, and overall discontent.
Picture: Grand Duke Peter of Russia -
Gaining Control
The current ruler of Russia at the time, Empress Elizabeth died and Catherine and Peter ruled together, but many were unhappy with the Duke's rule and wanted to overthrow him. Catherine then took control, arresting her husband and eventually murdering him. -
Serving the People
Catherine was crowned ruler of Russia, and stepped away from traditional absolutism. She took lessons from enlightenment philosophers. She wanted to serve the people, not have them serve her. This develops the music, art, and education.
Picture: Some of the enlightenment philosphers of her time -
Expansion of Borders
Catherine craved to expand the territory of Russia, and successfully won a war agains the Ottoman Empire. She took Crimea from the Turks, and even got control of the Black Sea, a huge trading advantage. -
Death of Catherine the Great
Catherine spend her entire life modernizing and improving Russia. She made many accomplishments but never was able to abolish serfdom, something she had strived for. Catherine died of a heart attack on November 6th, 1796.
