Catherine the Great, empress of Russia (1762–96) who led her country into full participation in the political and cultural life of Europe. With her ministers she reorganized the administration and law of the Russian Empire and extended Russian territory, adding Crimea and much of Poland.
Catherine II of Russia (Catherine the Great) was empress regent of Russia from 1762-1796. She was born in Prussia to Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst (1690-1747) and Princess Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp (1712-1760), and although her family was noble, they were not wealthy.
Perhaps one of the greatest female rulers of all time, Catherine the Great, was one the most cunning, ruthless and efficient leaders in all of Russia. Her reign, while not too long, was exceptionally eventful and she made a name for herself in history as she climbed up the ranks of Russian nobility and eventually made her way to the top ...
When Catherine the Great pushed aside her husband to become Russia's ruling empress in 1762, much of Europe viewed the nation as a feudal, backward behemoth. During Catherine's 34-year...
The Russian empress Catherine II, known as Catherine the Great, reigned from 1762 to 1796. She expanded the Russian Empire, improved administration, and energetically pursued the policy of Westernization (the process of changing to western ideas and traditions).
Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, whose 34-year reign transformed a vast empire and forever changed Russian history, was nothing short of astonishing.
Catherine the Great: A tale of political ambition, forbidden love, and ...
Catherine the Great (1729 – 1796) was the longest-serving Russian monarch, reigning from 1762 to her death in 1796. She presided over a revitalisation of Russian strength, an expansion of Russian territories, greater integration of Russia within Europe and partial liberalisation of Russian society.