Catherine the Great of Russia

Definition

Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796, known for her significant contributions to the Russian Empire, including extensive reforms and territorial expansion. Her reign is often associated with the Enlightenment, as she sought to modernize Russia and integrate Enlightened ideals into governance while also exercising autocratic power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Catherine was originally a German princess named Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst before marrying the future Emperor Peter III of Russia.
2. She implemented reforms in education, government administration, and law, aiming to modernize Russia while maintaining her authority.
3. Catherine corresponded with leading Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot, integrating their ideas into her policies and reforms.
4. Under her rule, Russia became a major European power, gaining territories in the Black Sea region and parts of Poland through military conquests and diplomacy.
5. Catherine's reign was marked by internal strife, including Pugachev's Rebellion, which forced her to reconsider her approach to serfdom and governance.

Review Questions

• How did Catherine the Great balance Enlightenment ideals with her role as an autocratic ruler?
  • Catherine the Great embraced Enlightenment principles while maintaining absolute power by selectively implementing reforms that aligned with her goals. She sought to modernize Russia through educational initiatives and legal reforms but remained cautious about fully relinquishing authority. By promoting ideas such as rational governance and social progress while retaining control over political power, Catherine exemplified enlightened absolutism.
• Discuss the impact of Pugachev's Rebellion on Catherine the Great's policies and her perception of serfdom.
  • Pugachev's Rebellion exposed deep-seated grievances among the peasantry and highlighted the limitations of Catherine's reforms. The uprising prompted her to take a more conservative approach regarding serfdom, ultimately reinforcing it rather than abolishing it. This conflict forced Catherine to reassess her policies and solidify her authority while recognizing the unrest simmering within Russian society.
• Evaluate the significance of the Partition of Poland in terms of Catherine the Great's foreign policy and its consequences for European power dynamics.
  • The Partition of Poland was a critical aspect of Catherine the Great's foreign policy, demonstrating Russia's growing influence in Europe. By collaborating with Prussia and Austria to divide Polish territory, she not only expanded Russia’s borders but also altered the balance of power in Eastern Europe. This territorial gain solidified Russia's status as a dominant player on the European stage, setting the stage for further expansion while contributing to ongoing tensions among European powers.

Related terms

Enlightened Absolutism:

A form of absolute monarchy where rulers, like Catherine, embraced Enlightenment ideas and aimed to apply them in governance, balancing power with some degree of social reform.

Pugachev's Rebellion:

A major peasant uprising in 1773-1775 against Catherine's rule, led by Yemelyan Pugachev, which highlighted the social discontent in Russia and challenged her policies.

Partition of Poland: The division of Polish territory among Russia, Prussia, and Austria in the late 18th century, a strategic move by Catherine that expanded Russian territory and influence.