Catherine II of Russia was nicknamed 'Catherine the Great' because of her enlightened reign and numerous reforms that helped modernize Russia.
Catherine II implemented a centralized policy, mainly strengthening the authority of imperial power. She simplified administration, reorganized institutions, and limited the influence of nobles in decision-making. She even drafted a new code of laws inspired by enlightened principles, although she did not fully implement it. Catherine also promoted the economic development of the country: she stimulated trade, founded new towns, and encouraged agriculture. She carried out a series of important reforms, particularly to modernize Russian society and simplify the management of its vast territory. Under her, the Russian state clearly became stronger and better structured, thus sustainably consolidating the power of the monarchy.
Catherine waged several wars and won them brilliantly, which largely explains the fame of her reign. She defeated the Ottoman Empire multiple times, thereby dominating the southern regions, including the strategic access to the Black Sea and Crimea. This peninsula was a significant strategic bonus, providing Russia with a crucial maritime outlet. To the north and west, she also reclaimed territories from Poland and Sweden, making Russia even larger and more dominant. Under her influence, the country established itself as a major European military power, respected and feared by its neighbors.
Catherine was passionate about arts and culture. Under her reign, many schools and institutions were created to educate as many people as possible, including girls (which was outright revolutionary for the time). She also supported education by founding prestigious institutions, such as the Smolny Institute. An absolute fan of the Enlightenment, she regularly corresponded with the great thinkers of her time, such as Voltaire and Diderot. She commissioned tons of artworks to beautify Russia, particularly impressive collections now on display at the Hermitage Museum. Catherine modernized Russian society by encouraging literature, philosophy, and theater, giving a lasting cultural boost to the country.
Catherine II was a central figure in Europe during her time, directly influencing the balance of power among European nations. She often maintained close diplomatic exchanges with influential leaders such as Frederick II of Prussia and the French philosopher Voltaire. Through her skillful alliances and diplomatic interventions, she transformed Russia into an essential player in European affairs. Her mediation often carried weight in international conflicts, making the Russian Empire a power whose opinion mattered greatly. Ultimately, she established herself as a strategic pivot, capable of reshaping the political maps in her own way.
Catherine the Great remains today one of the most positive and significant figures in Russian history. She is remembered as an enlightened, powerful, and effective empress. Her efforts in education and the defense of the arts, as well as her taste for Enlightenment philosophy, are particularly appreciated. Thanks to her, Russia became a respected great European power, a legacy that is still deeply rooted in the current Russian identity. Her reign is often seen as a golden age, filled with prestige and progress. Today, she is celebrated as an example of female success in power and a popular national symbol in Russia.
Passionate about the French Enlightenment, Catherine frequently corresponded with renowned philosophers such as Voltaire and Diderot, drawing inspiration from their ideas to reform Russia.
The legend that Catherine II died due to an accident involving a horse is completely false. In reality, she passed away peacefully from a stroke at the age of 67.
Catherine the Great owned one of the largest art collections that Europe has ever known. It was during her reign that the foundations of the famous Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg were laid.
Surprisingly, Catherine II attempted unsuccessfully to introduce smallpox vaccination in Russia. To convince the skeptical Russians about this revolutionary practice at the time, she had her young grandson inoculated publicly.
Called an enlightened sovereign or enlightened despot, Catherine II sought to integrate the values of the European Enlightenment into her government. She maintained regular correspondence with philosophers like Voltaire and Diderot while attempting to seriously modernize governance in Russia, although some limits on absolute power were still upheld.
The reign of Catherine II (1762-1796) corresponds to a period of significant geopolitical upheaval in Europe, including the Seven Years' War, the partitions of Poland, and the revolts in France. Catherine played an active diplomatic role, significantly influencing the balance of power among European nations.
Endowed with a sharp intellect, strong political ambition, and remarkable culture, Catherine II was both pragmatic and enlightened. She fostered a spirit of openness, encouraged the arts and philosophy, while skillfully mastering political and diplomatic strategies.
Catherine II supported an intense cultural and intellectual activity by inviting foreign philosophers, writers, and artists. She founded numerous schools, scientific and cultural academies, thereby fostering the emergence of an educated Russian elite open to European knowledge.
Catherine II implemented significant reforms in administration, justice, economy, and education. She sought to modernize Russia, particularly by streamlining administrative functions, improving the judicial system, and promoting economic and scientific progress.
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