Sophia Frederica Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst was born on April 21 (May 2), 1729 in the German Pomeranian city of Stettin (now Szczecin in Poland). My father came from the Zerbst-Dornburg line of the Anhalt house and was in the service of the Prussian king, was a regimental commander, commandant, then governor of the city of Stettin, ran for the Dukes of Courland, but unsuccessfully, finished his service as a Prussian field marshal. Mother - from the Holstein-Gottorp clan, was the great-aunt of the future Peter III. Maternal uncle Adolf-Friedrich (Adolf Fredrik) from 1751 was king of Sweden (elected heir in the city). The family tree of Catherine II's mother goes back to Christian I, King of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the first Duke of Schleswig-Holstein and the founder of the Oldenburg dynasty.
Childhood, education and upbringing
The family of the Duke of Zerbst was not rich, Catherine was educated at home. She studied German and French, dance, music, the basics of history, geography, theology. She was brought up in severity. She grew up inquisitive, inclined to outdoor games, persistent.
Ekaterina continues to educate herself. She reads books on history, philosophy, jurisprudence, works by Voltaire, Montesquieu, Tacitus, Beyle, a large number of other literature. The main entertainment for her was hunting, horse riding, dancing and masquerades. The lack of conjugal relations with the Grand Duke contributed to the appearance of lovers for Catherine. Meanwhile, Empress Elizabeth expressed her dissatisfaction with the absence of children from the spouses.
Finally, after two unsuccessful pregnancies, on September 20 (October 1), 1754, Catherine gave birth to a son, who was immediately taken away from her, called Paul (the future Emperor Paul I) and deprived of the opportunity to educate, but only allowed to see it occasionally. A number of sources claim that the true father of Paul was Catherine's lover S.V. Saltykov. Others - that such rumors are groundless, and that Peter underwent an operation that eliminated the defect that made conception impossible. The question of paternity was of interest to society as well.
After the birth of Paul, relations with Peter and Elizabeth Petrovna finally deteriorated. Peter openly made mistresses, however, without interfering with doing this and Catherine, who during this period had a relationship with Stanislav Poniatowski - the future king of Poland. On December 9 (20), 1758, Catherine gave birth to her daughter Anna, which aroused strong discontent with Peter, who said at the news of a new pregnancy: “God knows where my wife is getting pregnant; I don’t know for sure whether this child is mine and whether I should recognize him as mine. ” At this time, the condition of Elizaveta Petrovna worsened. All this made real the prospect of Catherine's expulsion from Russia or her imprisonment in a monastery. The situation was aggravated by the fact that Catherine's secret correspondence with the disgraced Field Marshal Apraksins and the British Ambassador Williams was revealed. political issues... Her previous favorites were removed, but a circle of new ones began to form: Grigory Orlov, Dashkova and others.
The death of Elizabeth Petrovna (December 25, 1761 (January 5, 1762)) and the accession to the throne of Peter Fedorovich under the name of Peter III further alienated the spouses. Peter III began to live openly with his mistress Elizaveta Vorontsova, settling his wife at the other end of the Winter Palace. When Catherine became pregnant from Orlov, this could no longer be explained by accidental conception from her husband, since the communication of the spouses had completely ceased by that time. Catherine hid her pregnancy, and when it came time to give birth, her devoted valet Vasily Grigorievich Shkurin set fire to his house. A lover of such spectacles, Peter with the courtyard left the palace to look at the fire; at this time, Catherine gave birth safely. This is how the first in Russia Count Bobrinsky was born - the founder of the famous surname.
Coup on June 28, 1762
- It is necessary to educate the nation, which should be governed.
- It is necessary to introduce good order in the state, to support society and force it to comply with the laws.
- It is necessary to establish a good and accurate police force in the state.
- It is necessary to promote the flourishing of the state and make it abundant.
- It is necessary to make the state formidable in itself and inspiring respect for its neighbors.
The policy of Catherine II was characterized by progressive, without sharp hesitation, development. After accession to the throne, she carried out a number of reforms (judicial, administrative, etc.). The territory of the Russian state increased significantly due to the annexation of fertile southern lands - Crimea, the Black Sea region, as well as the eastern part of the Commonwealth, etc. The population increased from 23.2 million (in 1763) to 37.4 million (in 1796), Russia became the most populated European country (it accounted for 20% of the population of Europe). As Klyuchevsky wrote, “The army from 162 thousand people was strengthened to 312 thousand, the fleet, which in 1757 consisted of 21 battleships and 6 frigates, in 1790 counted 67 battleships and 40 frigates, the amount of government revenues from 16 million rubles. rose to 69 million, that is, more than quadrupled, successes foreign trade: Baltic; in the increase in import and export, from 9 million to 44 million rubles., Black Sea, Catherine and created, - from 390 thousand in 1776 to 1900 thousand rubles. in 1796, the growth of internal turnover was indicated by the issue of coins in the 34 years of the reign for 148 million rubles, while in the 62 previous years it was issued only for 97 million. "
The Russian economy continued to be agrarian. The share of the urban population in 1796 was 6.3%. At the same time, a number of cities were founded (Tiraspol, Grigoriopol, etc.), pig iron smelting increased more than 2 times (in which Russia took 1st place in the world), and the number of sail-linen manufactures increased. In total, by the end of the 18th century. there were 1200 large enterprises in the country (in 1767 there were 663 of them). Exports increased significantly Russian goods v European countries, including through the created Black Sea ports.
Domestic policy
Catherine's adherence to the ideas of the Enlightenment determined the nature of her domestic policy and the direction of reforming various institutions of the Russian state. The term "enlightened absolutism" is often used to characterize the internal politics of Catherine's time. According to Catherine, based on the works of the French philosopher Montesquieu, the vast Russian spaces and the severity of the climate determine the regularity and necessity of autocracy in Russia. Proceeding from this, under Catherine, the autocracy was strengthened, the bureaucratic apparatus was strengthened, the country was centralized and the management system was unified.
Stacked commission
An attempt was made to convene the Legislated Commission, which would systematize the laws. The main goal is to clarify the needs of the people in order to carry out comprehensive reforms.
More than 600 deputies took part in the commission, 33% of them were elected from the nobility, 36% from the townspeople, which also included nobles, 20% from the rural population (state peasants). Interests Orthodox clergy represented by a deputy from the Synod.
As a guiding document of the Commission of 1767, the Empress prepared the "Order" - a theoretical substantiation of enlightened absolutism.
The first meeting was held in the Faceted Chamber in Moscow
Due to the conservatism of the deputies, the Commission had to be disbanded.
Soon after the coup, the statesman N.I. Panin proposed to create an Imperial Council: 6 or 8 high dignitaries rule together with the monarch (as in 1730). Ekaterina rejected this project.
According to another project of Panin, the Senate was transformed - on December 15. 1763 It was divided into 6 departments, headed by chief prosecutors, at the head was the prosecutor general. Each department had specific powers. The general powers of the Senate were reduced, in particular, it lost the legislative initiative and became a body for control over the activities of the state apparatus and the highest court. The center of legislative activity moved directly to Ekaterina and her office with state secretaries.
Provincial reform
7 nov. In 1775, the "Institution for the administration of the provinces of the All-Russian Empire" was adopted. Instead of a three-tier administrative division - a province, a province, a district, a two-tier one began to operate - a province, a district (which was based on the principle of the size of the taxable population). Out of the previous 23 provinces, 50 were formed, each of which had a population of 300-400 thousand dm. Provinces were divided into 10-12 counties, each with 20-30 thousand dm.
Thus, the further need to preserve the presence of the Zaporozhye Cossacks in their historical homeland to protect the southern Russian borders disappeared. At the same time, their traditional way of life often led to conflicts with the Russian authorities. After repeated pogroms of Serbian settlers, as well as in connection with the support of the Pugachev uprising by the Cossacks, Catherine II ordered the disbandment of the Zaporizhzhya Sich, which was done by order of Grigory Potemkin to pacify the Zaporizhzhya Cossacks by General Peter Tekeli in June 1775.
The Sich was bloodlessly disbanded, and then the fortress itself was destroyed. Most of the Cossacks were disbanded, but after 15 years they were remembered and the Army of the Faithful Zaporozhians was created, later the Black Sea Cossack army, and in 1792 Catherine signed a manifesto that gives them the Kuban for eternal use, where the Cossacks moved, founding the city of Yekaterinodar.
The reforms on the Don created a military civilian government modeled on the provincial administrations of central Russia.
The beginning of the annexation of the Kalmyk Khanate
As a result of general administrative reforms of the 70s, aimed at strengthening the state, it was decided to join Russian Empire Kalmyk Khanate.
By her decree of 1771, Catherine liquidated the Kalmyk Khanate, thereby starting the process of annexing the Kalmyk state to Russia, which had previously had a vassal relationship with the Russian state. A special Expedition of Kalmyk Affairs, established at the office of the Astrakhan governor, began to be in charge of Kalmyk affairs. Under the rulers of the uluses, bailiffs were appointed from among the Russian officials. In 1772, at the Expedition of Kalmyk Affairs, a Kalmyk court - Zargo was established, consisting of three members - one representative each from three main uluses: torgouts, derbets and khoshouts.
This decision of Catherine was preceded by the empress's consistent policy to limit the khan's power in the Kalmyk Khanate. So, in the 60s, the crisis intensified in the khanate associated with the colonization of Kalmyk lands by Russian landowners and peasants, the reduction of pasture lands, the infringement of the rights of the local feudal elite, the interference of tsarist officials in Kalmyk affairs. After the establishment of the fortified Tsaritsyn line, thousands of Don Cossack families began to settle in the area of the main Kalmyk nomads, and cities and fortresses began to be built throughout the Lower Volga. The best pasture lands were allocated for arable land and hayfields. The nomadic area was constantly narrowing, which in turn exacerbated internal relations in the khanate. The local feudal elite was also dissatisfied with the missionary activity of the Russian Orthodox Church on the Christianization of nomads, as well as the outflow of people from uluses to cities and villages to work. Under these conditions, among the Kalmyk noyons and zaisangs, with the support of the Buddhist Church, a conspiracy has matured with the aim of leaving the people to historical homeland- to Dzungaria.
On January 5, 1771, the Kalmyk feudal lords, dissatisfied with the empress's policy, raised the uluses that roamed along the left bank of the Volga, and set off on a dangerous journey to Central Asia. Back in November 1770, the army was assembled on the left bank under the pretext of repelling the raids of the Kazakhs of the Younger Zhuz. The bulk of the Kalmyk population lived at that time on the meadow side of the Volga. Many noyons and zaisangs, realizing the disaster of the campaign, wanted to stay with their uluses, but the army coming from behind drove everyone forward. This tragic campaign turned into a terrible disaster for the people. A small Kalmyk ethnos lost on the way about 100,000 people killed in battles, from wounds, cold, hunger, disease, as well as prisoners, lost almost all livestock - the main wealth of the people. ,,.
These tragic events in the history of the Kalmyk people are reflected in the poem by Sergei Yesenin "Pugachev".
Regional reform in Estonia and Livonia
The Baltic states as a result of the regional reform in 1782-1783. was divided into 2 provinces - Riga and Revel - with institutions that already existed in other provinces of Russia. In Estland and Livonia, a special Baltic order was eliminated, which provided for more extensive rights of local nobles to work and the personality of a peasant than that of Russian landowners.
Provincial reform in Siberia and the Middle Volga region
Under the new protectionist tariff of 1767, the import of those goods that were or could be produced within Russia was completely prohibited. Duties from 100 to 200% were imposed on luxury goods, wine, grain, toys ... Export duties amounted to 10-23% of the value of imported goods.
In 1773, Russia exported goods worth 12 million rubles, which was 2.7 million rubles more than imports. In 1781, exports already amounted to 23.7 million rubles against 17.9 million rubles of imports. Russian merchant ships began sailing in the Mediterranean as well. Thanks to the policy of protectionism in 1786, the country's exports amounted to 67.7 million rubles, and imports - 41.9 million rubles.
At the same time, Russia under Catherine went through a number of financial crises and was forced to do external loans, the size of which by the end of the empress's reign exceeded 200 million silver rubles.
Social politics
Moscow Orphanage
In the provinces there were orders of public charity. In Moscow and St. Petersburg - Orphanages for street children (currently the building of the Moscow Orphanage is occupied by the Peter the Great Military Academy), where they received education and upbringing. The Widows Treasury was created to help widows.
Compulsory smallpox vaccination was introduced, and Catherine was the first to receive such a vaccination. Under Catherine II, the fight against epidemics in Russia began to take on the character of state measures that were directly part of the responsibilities of the Imperial Council and the Senate. By order of Catherine, outposts were created, located not only at the borders, but also on the roads leading to the center of Russia. The "Charter of Border and Port Quarantines" was created.
New directions of medicine for Russia developed: hospitals for the treatment of syphilis, psychiatric hospitals and orphanages were opened. A number of fundamental works on medicine have been published.
National policy
After the annexation of the lands that had previously been part of the Commonwealth to the Russian Empire, about a million Jews turned out to be in Russia - a people with a different religion, culture, way of life and way of life. To prevent their resettlement to the central regions of Russia and attach them to their communities for the convenience of collecting state taxes, Catherine II in 1791 established the Pale of Settlement, outside of which Jews had no right to live. The Pale of Settlement was established in the same place where the Jews had lived before - on the three sections Poland lands, as well as in the steppe regions of the Black Sea and sparsely populated areas east of the Dnieper. The conversion of Jews to Orthodoxy removed all restrictions on living. It is noted that the Pale of Settlement contributed to the preservation of Jewish national identity, the formation of a special Jewish identity within the Russian Empire.
Having ascended the throne, Catherine canceled the decree of Peter III on the secularization of lands near the church. But already in February. 1764 she again issued a decree depriving the Church of land property. Monastic peasants numbering about 2 million people. of both sexes were removed from the jurisdiction of the clergy and transferred to the management of the College of Economics. The jurisdiction of the state included the estates of churches, monasteries and bishops.
In Ukraine, the secularization of monastic possessions was carried out in 1786.
Thus, the clergy became dependent on the secular authorities, since they could not carry out independent economic activities.
Catherine achieved from the government of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth an equalization in the rights of religious minorities - Orthodox and Protestants.
Under Catherine II, the persecution ceased Old Believers... The Empress initiated the return from abroad of the Old Believers, the economically active population. They were specially assigned a place on the Irgiz (modern Saratov and Samara region). They were allowed to have priests.
The free resettlement of Germans to Russia led to a significant increase in the number of Protestants(mostly Lutherans) in Russia. They were also allowed to build churches, schools, and freely perform divine services. At the end of the 18th century, there were more than 20 thousand Lutherans in St. Petersburg alone.
Expanding the boundaries of the Russian Empire
Partitions of Poland
The federal state of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth included Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine and Belarus.
The reason for the interference in the affairs of the Commonwealth was the question of the position of dissidents (that is, the non-Catholic minority - Orthodox and Protestants), so that they would be equalized with the rights of Catholics. Catherine exerted strong pressure on the gentry in order to elect her protege Stanislav August Poniatowski to the Polish throne, who was elected. Part of the Polish gentry opposed these decisions and organized an uprising in the Bar Confederation. It was suppressed by Russian troops in alliance with the Polish king. In 1772, Prussia and Austria, fearing the strengthening of Russian influence in Poland and its successes in the war with the Ottoman Empire (Turkey), offered Catherine to partition the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in exchange for ending the war, otherwise threatening a war against Russia. Russia, Austria and Prussia brought in their troops.
In 1772 took place 1st section of the Commonwealth... Austria received all of Galicia with districts, Prussia - West Prussia (Pomorie), Russia - eastern part Belarus to Minsk (Vitebsk and Mogilev provinces) and part of the Latvian lands that were previously part of Livonia.
The Polish Sejm was forced to agree with the partition and abandon claims for the lost territories: it lost 3,800 km² with a population of 4 million people.
Polish noblemen and industrialists contributed to the adoption of the Constitution of 1791. The conservative part of the population of the Targovitsa Confederation turned to Russia for help.
In 1793 the 2nd section of the Commonwealth, approved at the Grodno Diet. Prussia received Gdansk, Torun, Poznan (part of the land along the Warta and Vistula rivers), Russia - Central Belarus with Minsk and the Right-Bank Ukraine.
The wars with Turkey were marked by major military victories of Rumyantsev, Suvorov, Potemkin, Kutuzov, Ushakov, and the establishment of Russia in the Black Sea. As a result, they ceded to Russia the Northern Black Sea region, Crimea, the Kuban region, strengthened its political positions in the Caucasus and the Balkans, strengthened Russia's prestige on the world stage.
Relations with Georgia. Georgievsky treatise
Georgievsky treatise of 1783
Catherine II and the Georgian tsar Irakli II in 1783 signed the Georgievsky treatise, according to which Russia established a protectorate over the Kartli-Kakhetian kingdom. The treaty was concluded in order to protect Orthodox Georgians, since Muslim Iran and Turkey threatened the national existence of Georgia. The Russian government took Eastern Georgia under its patronage, guaranteed its autonomy and protection in case of war, and, during peace negotiations, pledged to insist on the return to the Kartli-Kakhetian kingdom of possessions that had long belonged to it and illegally taken away by Turkey.
The result of the Georgian policy of Catherine II was a sharp weakening of the positions of Iran and Turkey, which formally destroyed their claims to Eastern Georgia.
Relations with Sweden
Taking advantage of the fact that Russia entered the war with Turkey, Sweden, supported by Prussia, Britain and Holland, unleashed a war with her for the return of previously lost territories. The troops that entered the territory of Russia were stopped by General-in-Chief V.P. Musin-Pushkin. After a series of naval battles that did not have a decisive outcome, Russia defeated the Swedish line fleet in the battle of Vyborg, but because of the oncoming storm it suffered a heavy defeat in the battle of rowing fleets at Rochensalm. The parties signed the Verela Peace Treaty in 1790, according to which the border between the countries did not change.
Relations with other countries
After the French Revolution, Catherine was one of the initiators of the anti-French coalition and the establishment of the principle of legitimism. She said: “The weakening of monarchical power in France endangers all other monarchies. For my part, I am ready to resist with all my might. It's time to act and take up arms. " However, in reality, she withdrew from participation in hostilities against France. According to popular belief, one of the real reasons for the creation of the anti-French coalition was to divert the attention of Prussia and Austria from Polish affairs. At the same time, Catherine refused all agreements concluded with France, ordered to expel all suspected sympathizers for the French Revolution from Russia, and in 1790 issued a decree on the return of all Russians from France.
During the reign of Catherine, the Russian Empire acquired the status of a "great power". As a result of two successful Russian-Turkish wars in 1768-1774 and 1787-1791 for Russia. the Crimean peninsula and the entire territory of the Northern Black Sea region were annexed to Russia. In 1772-1795. Russia took part in three sections of the Commonwealth, as a result of which it annexed the territories of present-day Belarus, Western Ukraine, Lithuania and Courland. The Russian Empire also included Russian America - Alaska and the West coast of the North American continent (the current state of California).
Catherine II as a figure of the Age of Enlightenment
Ekaterina - writer and publisher
Catherine belonged to a small number of monarchs who would communicate so intensively and directly with their subjects by drawing up manifestos, instructions, laws, polemical articles and indirectly in the form of satirical works, historical dramas and pedagogical opuses. In her memoirs, she confessed: "I cannot see a blank pen without not feeling the urge to immediately dip it in ink."
She had an extraordinary talent for writing, leaving behind a large collection of works - notes, translations, librettos, fables, fairy tales, comedy "Oh, time!" “The Invisible Bride” (-), essays, etc., participated in the weekly satirical magazine “Anything and everything”, published in the city. The Empress turned to journalism in order to influence public opinion, therefore the main idea of the magazine was to criticize human vices and weaknesses ... Other subjects of irony were the superstitions of the population. Catherine herself called the magazine "Satire in a smiling spirit."
Ekaterina - philanthropist and collector
Development of culture and art
Catherine considered herself a "philosopher on the throne" and favored the European Enlightenment, was in correspondence with Voltaire, Diderot, d "Alambert.
Under her, the Hermitage and the Public Library appeared in St. Petersburg. She patronized various fields of art - architecture, music, painting.
It is impossible not to mention the mass settlement of German families in various regions, initiated by Catherine. modern Russia, Ukraine, as well as the Baltic countries. The goal was to "infect" Russian science and culture with European ones.
Courtyard of the times of Catherine II
Features of personal life
Ekaterina was a brunette of average height. She combined high intelligence, education, statesmanship and commitment to "free love".
Catherine is known for her connections with numerous lovers, whose number (according to the list of the authoritative Catherine scholar P.I.Bartenev) reaches 23. The most famous of them were Sergei Saltykov, G.G. Orlov (later Count), Horse Guards Lieutenant Vasilchikov, G.A. Potemkin (later prince), hussar Zorich, Lanskoy, the last favorite was the cornet Platon Zubov, who became the count of the Russian Empire and a general. With Potemkin, according to some sources, Catherine was secretly married (). After she planned a marriage with Orlov, however, on the advice of those close to her, she abandoned this idea.
It should be noted that Catherine's "debauchery" was not such a scandalous phenomenon against the background of the general licentiousness of the 18th century. Most kings (with the possible exception of Frederick the Great, Louis XVI and Charles XII) had numerous mistresses. Catherine's favorites (with the exception of Potemkin, who possessed state abilities) did not influence politics. Nevertheless, the institution of favoritism had a negative effect on the higher nobility, which sought benefits through flattery to a new favorite, tried to lead “their own man” into lovers to the empress, etc.
Catherine had two sons: Pavel Petrovich () (it is suspected that his father was Sergei Saltykov) and Alexei Bobrinsky (- the son of Grigory Orlov) and two daughters: Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna (1757-1759, who died in infancy, possibly the daughter of the future king) Poland Stanislav Ponyatovsky) and Elizaveta Grigorievna Tyomkina (- Potemkin's daughter).
Famous figures of Catherine's era
The reign of Catherine II was characterized by the fruitful activities of prominent Russian scientists, diplomats, military, statesmen, cultural and art workers. In 1873 in St. Petersburg, in the park in front of the Alexandrinsky Theater (now Ostrovsky Square), an impressive multi-figured monument to Catherine was erected, designed by M.O. Mikeshin by sculptors A.M. Opekushin and M.A. Chizhov and architects V.A. Schreter and D. I. Grimm. The foot of the monument consists of a sculptural composition, the characters of which are outstanding personalities of the Catherine's era and associates of the Empress:
The events of the last years of the reign of Alexander II - in particular, the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878 - prevented the implementation of the plan to expand the memorial to the Catherine era. DI Grimm developed a project for the construction of bronze statues and busts depicting the leaders of the glorious reign in the park next to the monument to Catherine II. According to the final list, approved a year before the death of Alexander II, six bronze sculptures and twenty-three busts on granite pedestals were to be placed next to the monument to Catherine.
In growth, the following were to be depicted: Count N.I. Panin, Admiral G.A. Spiridov, writer D.I.Fonvizin, Prosecutor General of the Senate Prince A.A. Vyazemsky, Field Marshal Prince N.V. Repnin and General A. I. Bibikov, former chairman Stacking commissions. In the busts - publisher and journalist N.I. Novikov, traveler P.S.Pallas, playwright A.P. Sumarokov, historians I.N.Boltin and Prince M.M.Shcherbatov, artists D.G. Levitsky and V.L Borovikovsky, architect A.F.Kokorinov, favorite of Catherine II Count G.G. Orlov, admirals F.F.Ushakov, S.K. Greig, A.I.Kruz, military leaders: Count Z.G. Chernyshev, Prince V. M. Dolgorukov-Krymsky, Count IE Ferzen, Count VA Zubov; Moscow Governor-General Prince M.N. Volkonsky, Novgorod Governor Count Ya. E. Sivers, diplomat Ya. I. Bulgakov, suppressor of the "plague riot" of 1771 in Moscow P. D. Eropkin, who suppressed Pugachev revolt Count P. I. Panin and I. I. Mikhelson, hero of the capture of the fortress Ochakov I. I. Meller-Zakomelsky.
In addition to those listed, they celebrate such famous figures of the era as:
Catherine in art
To the cinema
- "Catherine the Great", 2005. Emily Brun as Catherine
- "Golden Age", 2003. In the role of Catherine -
The topic of this article is the biography of Catherine the Great. From 1762 to 1796 this empress reigned. The era of her reign was marked by the enslavement of the peasants. Also, Catherine the Great, whose biography, photos and activities are presented in this article, significantly expanded the privileges of the nobility.
The origin and childhood of Catherine
The future empress was born on May 2 (according to the new style - April 21) 1729 in Stettin. She was the daughter of the Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, who was in the Prussian service, and Princess Johannes-Elizabeth. The future empress was related to the English, Prussian and Swedish royal houses. She received her education at home: she studied French and German, music, theology, geography, history, and danced. Expanding on such a topic as the biography of Catherine the Great, we note that the independent character of the future empress manifested itself already in childhood. She was a persistent, inquisitive child, had a penchant for active, lively games.
Baptism and wedding of Catherine
Catherine, together with her mother, was summoned to Russia by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna in 1744. Here she was baptized according to the Orthodox tradition. Ekaterina Alekseevna became the bride of Peter Fedorovich, the Grand Duke (in the future - Emperor Peter III). She married him in 1745.
Empress hobbies
Catherine wanted to win the favor of her husband, the Empress and the Russian people. Her personal life, however, was unsuccessful. Since Peter was childish, there was no conjugal relationship between them for several years of marriage. Catherine was fond of reading works on jurisprudence, history and economics, as well as French educators. All these books shaped her worldview. The future empress became a supporter of the ideas of the Enlightenment. She was also interested in the traditions, customs and history of Russia.
Personal life of Catherine II
Today we know quite a lot about such an important historical person as Catherine the Great: biography, her children, personal life - all this is an object of research by historians and the interest of many of our compatriots. We first meet this empress at school. However, what we learn in history lessons is far from full information about such an empress as Catherine the Great. A biography (grade 4) from a school textbook omits, for example, her personal life.
Catherine II in the early 1750s started an affair with S.V. Saltykov, a guard officer. She gave birth to a son in 1754, the future emperor Paul I. Nevertheless, rumors that Saltykov was his father are unfounded. In the second half of the 1750s, Catherine had an affair with S. Poniatowski, a Polish diplomat who later became King Stanislav August. Also in the early 1760s - with G.G. Orlov. The Empress gave birth to his son Alexei in 1762, who received the name Bobrinsky. As relations with her husband deteriorated, Catherine began to fear for her fate and began to recruit supporters at court. Her sincere love for her homeland, her prudence and ostentatious piety - all this contrasted with the behavior of her husband, which allowed the future empress to gain prestige among the population of St. Petersburg and high society capital society.
The proclamation of Catherine as Empress
Catherine's relationship with her husband continued to deteriorate during the 6 months of his reign, eventually becoming hostile. Peter III openly appeared in the company of his mistress E.R. Vorontsova. There was a threat of Catherine's arrest and her possible expulsion. The future empress carefully prepared the conspiracy. She was supported by N.I. Panin, E.R. Dashkova, K.G. Razumovsky, the Orlov brothers and others. One night, from June 27 to 28, 1762, when Peter III was in Oranienbaum, Catherine secretly arrived in St. Petersburg. She was proclaimed the autocratic empress in the barracks of the Izmailovsky regiment. Other regiments soon joined the rebels. The news of the empress's accession to the throne quickly spread throughout the city. Petersburgers greeted her with delight. Messengers to Kronstadt and to the army were sent to prevent the actions of Peter III. He, having learned about what happened, began to send proposals for negotiations to Catherine, but she rejected them. The Empress personally set out for St. Petersburg, leading the Guards regiments, and on the way received a written abdication of the throne of Peter III.
More about the palace coup
As a result palace coup On July 9, 1762, Catherine II came to power. It happened as follows. Because of the arrest of Passek, all the conspirators got to their feet, fearing that the arrested person might betray them under torture. It was decided to send Alexei Orlov for Ekaterina. The Empress at this time lived in anticipation of the birthday of Peter III in Peterhof. On the morning of June 28, Aleksey Orlov ran into her bedroom and announced the arrest of Passek. Ekaterina got into Orlov's carriage, she was brought to the Izmailovsky regiment. The soldiers ran out to the square in drumming and immediately swore allegiance to her. Then she moved to the Semyonovsky regiment, which also swore allegiance to the empress. Accompanied by a crowd of people, at the head of two regiments, Catherine went to the Kazan Cathedral. Here, at a prayer service, she was proclaimed empress. Then she went to the Winter Palace and found the Synod and Senate already assembled there. They also swore allegiance to her.
Personality and character of Catherine II
Interesting not only the biography of Catherine the Great, but also her personality and character, which left an imprint on her domestic and foreign policy. Catherine II was a subtle psychologist and an excellent connoisseur of people. The Empress skillfully chose assistants, while not being afraid of talented and outstanding personalities. Therefore, the Catherine's time was marked by the appearance of many outstanding statesmen, as well as generals, musicians, artists, and writers. Catherine was usually restrained, tactful, and patient in dealing with her subjects. She was an excellent conversationalist, could listen carefully to anyone. By the empress's own admission, she did not possess a creative mind, but she caught worthwhile thoughts and knew how to use them for her own purposes.
There were almost no noisy resignations during the reign of this empress. The nobles were not subject to disgrace, they were not exiled or executed. Because of this, the time of Catherine's reign is considered the "golden age" of the nobility in Russia. The Empress, at the same time, was very vain and valued her power more than anything else in the world. She was ready to make any compromises for her preservation, including to the detriment of her own convictions.
The empress's religiosity
This empress was distinguished by ostentatious piety. She considered herself the protector of the Orthodox Church and its leader. Catherine skillfully used religion for political interests. Apparently, her faith was not very deep. The biography of Catherine the Great is marked by the fact that she preached religious tolerance in the spirit of the times. It was under this empress that the persecution of the Old Believers was stopped. Protestant and Catholic churches and mosques were erected. Nevertheless, the conversion to another faith from Orthodoxy continued to be severely punished.
Catherine is an opponent of serfdom
Catherine the Great, whose biography interests us, was an ardent opponent of serfdom. She considered him contrary to human nature and inhuman. There are many harsh statements about this issue preserved in her papers. Also in them you can find her reasoning about how you can eliminate serfdom. Nevertheless, the empress did not dare to do anything concrete in this area for fear of another coup and a noble revolt. At the same time, Catherine was convinced that the Russian peasants were spiritually undeveloped, therefore there was a danger in granting them freedom. According to the Empress, the life of the peasants is quite prosperous among the caring landowners.
First reforms
When Catherine came to the throne, she already had a fairly definite political program. It was based on the ideas of the Enlightenment and took into account the peculiarities of the development of Russia. Consistency, gradualness and consideration of public sentiments were the main principles of the implementation of this program. In the first years of her reign, Catherine II carried out a reform of the Senate (in 1763). His work has become more efficient as a result. In the next year, 1764, Catherine the Great secularized the church lands. A biography for the children of this empress, presented on the pages of school textbooks, will certainly acquaint schoolchildren with this fact. Secularization has significantly replenished the treasury, and also eased the situation of many peasants. Catherine in Ukraine liquidated the hetmanate in accordance with the need to unify local government throughout the state. In addition, she invited German colonists to the Russian Empire to explore the Black Sea and Volga regions.
Foundation of educational institutions and new Code
In the same years whole line educational institutions was founded, including for women (the first in Russia) - the Catherine School, the Smolny Institute. In 1767, the Empress announced that a special commission was convened to create a new Code. It consisted of elected deputies, representatives of all social groups of society, except for serfs. For the commission, Catherine wrote the "Order", which is, in fact, a liberal program for the reign of this empress. However, her calls were not understood by the deputies. They argued over the smallest issues. Deep contradictions between social groups revealed in the course of these discussions, as well as the low level of many deputies of political culture and the conservatism of most of them. The Legislated Commission was disbanded at the end of 1768. The Empress appreciated this experience as an important lesson that introduced her to the moods of various strata of the population of the state.
Development of legislative acts
After it ended Russian-Turkish war, which lasted from 1768 to 1774, and also the Pugachev uprising was suppressed, began new stage reforms of Catherine. The Empress began to develop the most important legislative acts herself. In particular, a manifesto was issued in 1775, according to which it was allowed to start any industrial enterprises without restrictions. Also this year, a provincial reform was carried out, as a result of which a new administrative division of the empire was established. It survived until 1917.
Expanding on the topic "A Brief Biography of Catherine the Great", we note that the Empress in 1785 issued the most important legislative acts. These were certificates of honor to the cities and the nobility. Also, a charter was prepared for the state peasants, but political circumstances did not allow it to be put into effect. The main significance of these letters was associated with the implementation of the main goal of Catherine's reforms - the creation of full-fledged estates in the empire on the model of Western Europe. The diploma meant for the Russian nobility the legal confirmation of almost all the privileges and rights that they had.
Recent and unfulfilled reforms proposed by Catherine the Great
Biography ( summary) the Empress of interest to us is noted for the fact that she carried out various reforms until her death. For example, education reform continued in the 1780s. Catherine the Great, whose biography is presented in this article, created a network of classroom-based school institutions in cities. Empress in last years her life she continued to plan a major transformation. The reform of the central government was planned for 1797, as well as the introduction of legislation on the order of succession in the country, the creation of a higher court based on representation from 3 estates. However, Catherine II the Great did not manage to complete an extensive reform program. Her brief biography, however, would be incomplete if we did not mention all this. In general, all these reforms were a continuation of the reforms begun by Peter I.
Catherine's foreign policy
What else is interesting about the biography of Catherine the Great? The Empress, following Peter, believed that Russia should actively act on the world arena, pursue an offensive policy, even to some extent aggressive. After accession to the throne, she broke the allied treaty with Prussia, concluded by Peter III. Thanks to the efforts of this empress, it was possible to restore the Duke E.I. Biron on the throne of Courland. Supported by Prussia, in 1763 Russia achieved the election to the Polish throne of Stanislav August Poniatowski, her protege. This, in turn, led to a deterioration in relations with Austria due to the fact that she feared the strengthening of Russia and began to incite Turkey to war with her. In general, the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774 was successful for Russia, but the difficult situation inside the country prompted her to seek peace. And for this it was necessary to restore the old relations with Austria. In the end, a compromise was reached. Poland fell victim to him: the first partition was carried out in 1772 by Russia, Austria and Prussia.
The Kyuchuk-Kainardzhiyskiy peace was signed with Turkey, which ensured the independence of the Crimea, beneficial for Russia. Empire in the war of England with the colonies of North America took neutrality. Catherine refused to help the English king with troops. A number of European states have joined the Declaration on Armed Neutrality, created on Panin's initiative. This contributed to the victory of the colonists. In subsequent years, the positions of our country in the Caucasus and Crimea were strengthened, which culminated in the inclusion of the latter in the Russian Empire in 1782, as well as the signing of the Treaty of St. George with Irakli II, the King of Kartli-Kakheti the following year. This ensured the presence of Russian troops in Georgia, and then the annexation of its territory to Russia.
Strengthening authority in the international arena
The new foreign policy doctrine of the Russian government was formed in the 1770s. It was a Greek project. His main goal was to restore Byzantine Empire and the announcement of the emperor of Prince Konstantin Pavlovich, who was the grandson of Catherine II. Russia in 1779 significantly strengthened its authority in the international arena, participating as a mediator between Prussia and Austria in the Teschen Congress. The biography of Empress Catherine the Great can also be supplemented by the fact that in 1787, accompanied by the court, the Polish king, the Austrian emperor and foreign diplomats, she traveled to the Crimea. It became a demonstration of Russia's military power.
Wars with Turkey and Sweden, further partitions of Poland
The biography of Catherine the Great continued with the fact that she began a new Russian-Turkish war. Russia was now acting in alliance with Austria. Almost at the same time, the war with Sweden also began (from 1788 to 1790), which tried to take revenge after the defeat in the Northern War. The Russian Empire managed to cope with both of these opponents. In 1791 the war with Turkey ended. The Iasi Peace was signed in 1792. He consolidated the influence of Russia in the Transcaucasus and Bessarabia, as well as the annexation of Crimea to it. The 2nd and 3rd partitions of Poland took place in 1793 and 1795, respectively. They put an end to Polish statehood.
Empress Catherine the Great, short biography which was considered by us, she died on November 17 (according to the old style - November 6), 1796 in St. Petersburg. So significant is her contribution to Russian history that the memory of Catherine II is preserved in many works of domestic and world culture, including the works of such great writers as N.V. Gogol, A.S. Pushkin, B. Shaw, V. Pikul and others. The life of Catherine the Great, her biography inspired many directors - the creators of such films as "The Caprice of Catherine II", "The Tsar's Hunt", "Young Catherine", "Dreams of Russia", " Russian revolt "and others.
Catherine II is the great Russian empress, whose reign became the most significant period in Russian history. The era of Catherine the Great is marked by the "golden age" of the Russian Empire, whose cultural and political culture the tsarina raised to the European level. The biography of Catherine II is full of light and dark stripes, numerous plans and achievements, as well as a stormy personal life, about which films and books are still being made today.
Catherine II was born on May 2 (April 21, old style), 1729 in Prussia in the family of the Governor of Stettin, Prince of Zerbst and Duchess of Holstein-Gottorp. Despite the rich pedigree, the princess's family did not have a significant fortune, but this did not prevent the parents from providing home schooling for their daughter, not really standing on ceremony with her upbringing. At the same time, the future Russian empress on high level learned English, Italian and French, mastered dancing and singing, and also gained knowledge of the basics of history, geography and theology.
As a child, the young princess was a playful and curious child with a pronounced "boyish" character. She did not show any special mental abilities and did not demonstrate her talents, but she helped her mother a lot in raising her younger sister Augusta, which suited both parents. V early years mother called Catherine II Fike, which means little Federica.
At the age of 15, it became known that the Zerbst princess was chosen as the bride for her heir Peter Fedorovich, who later became the Russian emperor. In this regard, the princess and her mother were secretly invited to Russia, where they went under the name of Countess Reinbeck. The girl immediately began to study Russian history, language and Orthodoxy in order to learn more fully about her new homeland. Soon she converted to Orthodoxy and was named Ekaterina Alekseevna, and the next day she became engaged to Peter Fedorovich, who was her second cousin.
Palace coup and ascension to the throne
After the wedding with Peter III, nothing practically changed in the life of the future Russian empress - she continued to devote herself to self-education, to study philosophy, jurisprudence and the works of world famous authors, since her husband showed absolutely no interest in her and openly amused himself with other ladies in front of her eyes. After nine years of marriage, when the relationship between Peter and Catherine went completely wrong, the queen gave birth to an heir to the throne, who was immediately taken away from her and was practically not allowed to see him.
Then in the head of Catherine the Great a plan ripened to overthrow her husband from the throne. She subtly, clearly and prudently organized a palace coup, in which she was helped by the British Ambassador Williams and the Chancellor of the Russian Empire, Count Alexei Bestuzhev.
It soon turned out that both confidants of the future Russian empress had betrayed her. But Catherine did not abandon her plan and found new allies in its implementation. They were the Orlov brothers, adjutant Khitrov and sergeant-major Potemkin. Foreigners also took part in the organization of the palace coup, who provided sponsorship for bribery the right people.
In 1762, the empress was completely ready for a decisive step - she went to St. Petersburg, where the guards units swore allegiance to her, which by that time were already unhappy military policy Emperor Peter III. After that, he abdicated the throne, was taken into custody and soon died under unknown circumstances. Two months later, on September 22, 1762, Sophia Frederica Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst was crowned in Moscow and became the Russian Empress Catherine II.
Board and achievements of Catherine II
From the very first day of her accession to the throne, the queen clearly formulated her royal tasks and began to actively implement them. She quickly formulated and carried out reforms in the Russian Empire, which affected all spheres of life of the population. Catherine the Great pursued a policy taking into account the interests of all estates, which won the colossal support of her subjects.
To pull the Russian Empire out of the financial quagmire, the tsarina carried out secularization and took the lands of the churches, turning them into secular property. This made it possible to pay off the army and replenish the empire's treasury by 1 million souls of peasants. At the same time, she managed to briskly establish trade in Russia, doubling the number of industrial enterprises in the country. Thanks to this, the amount of state revenues quadrupled, the empire was able to maintain a large army and begin the development of the Urals.
As for Catherine's domestic policy, today it is called "absolutism", because the empress tried to achieve the "common good" for society and the state. The absolutism of Catherine II was marked by the adoption of new legislation, which was adopted on the basis of the "Order of Empress Catherine", containing 526 articles. Due to the fact that the tsarina's policy still had a "pro-noble" character, from 1773 to 1775 she faced a peasant uprising under the leadership. Peasant war covered almost the entire empire, but the state army was able to suppress the riot and arrest Pugachev, who was later executed.
In 1775, Catherine the Great carried out the territorial division of the empire and expanded Russia into 11 provinces. During her reign, Russia acquired Azov, Kiburn, Kerch, Crimea, Kuban, as well as part of Belarus, Poland, Lithuania and western part Volyn. At the same time, elective courts were introduced in the country, which dealt with criminal and civil cases of the population.
In 1785, the Empress organized local government by city. At the same time, Catherine II brought out a clear set of noble privileges - she freed the nobles from paying taxes, compulsory military service and endowed them with the right to own lands and peasants. Thanks to the empress, a secondary education system was introduced in Russia, for which special closed schools, institutes for girls, and foster homes were built. In addition, Ekaterina founded the Russian Academy, which has become one of the leading European scientific bases.
During her reign, Catherine paid special attention to the development Agriculture... Under her, for the first time in Russia, bread began to be sold, which the population could buy for paper money, also introduced into everyday life by the empress. Also among the valor of the monarch is the introduction of vaccination on the territory of Russia, which made it possible to prevent epidemics of fatal diseases in the country, thereby preserving the population.
During the reign of Catherine the Second, she experienced 6 wars, in which she received the desired trophies in the form of lands. To this day, many consider its foreign policy to be immoral and hypocritical. But the woman managed to go down in the history of Russia as a powerful monarch, who became an example of patriotism for future generations of the country, despite the absence of even a drop of Russian blood in her.
Personal life
The personal life of Catherine II is legendary and before today arouses interest. The Empress was committed to "free love" as a result of her unsuccessful marriage to Peter III.
The romance novels of Catherine the Great are marked in history by a series of scandals, and the list of her favorites contains 23 names, as evidenced by the data of authoritative Catherine scholars.
The most famous lovers of the monarchy were Platon Zubov, who at the age of 20 became the favorite of 60-year-old Catherine the Great. Historians do not exclude that the empress's love affairs were her kind of weapon, with the help of which she carried out her activities on the royal throne.
It is known that Catherine the Great had three children - a son from her legal marriage with Peter III, Pavel Petrovich, Alexei Bobrinsky, born of Orlov, and a daughter, Anna Petrovna, who died of illness at the age of one.
In the last years of her life, the Empress devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren and heirs, as she was on bad terms with her son Paul. She wanted to transfer power and the crown to her eldest grandson, whom she personally prepared for the royal throne. But her plans were not destined to happen, since her rightful heir found out about her mother's plan and carefully prepared for the struggle for the throne.
The death of Catherine II came in a new style on November 17, 1796. The empress died of a severe stroke, she thrashed for several hours in agony and, without regaining consciousness, passed away in agony. She was buried in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg.
Movies
The image of Catherine the Great is very often used in modern cinema. Her bright and rich biography is taken as a basis by scriptwriters all over the world, since the great Russian empress Catherine II had a stormy life, filled with intrigues, conspiracies, love stories and the struggle for the throne, but at the same time she became one of the most worthy rulers of the Russian Empire.
In 2015, a fascinating historical show was launched in Russia, for the script of which facts were taken from the diaries of the queen herself, who turned out to be a “man-ruler” by nature, and not a feminine mother and wife.
An ambiguous personality was Catherine II the Great - the Russian empress of German descent. In most articles and films, she is shown as a lover of court balls and luxurious toilets, as well as numerous favorites with whom she once had a very close relationship.
Unfortunately, few people know that she was a very smart, bright and talented organizer. And this is an indisputable fact, since the political changes that took place during the years of her reign related to In addition, the numerous reforms that affected the social and state life of the country are another proof of the originality of her personality.
Origin
Catherine 2, whose biography was so amazing and unusual, was born on May 2, 1729 in German Stettin. Her full name is Sophia Augusta Frederica, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst. Her parents were Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and his equal title Johann-Elizabeth Holstein-Gottorp, who was related to such royal houses as English, Swedish and Prussian.
The future Russian empress was educated at home. She was taught theology, music, dance, the basics of geography and history, and, in addition to her native German, she also knew French perfectly. Already in early childhood, she showed her independent character, perseverance and curiosity, preferred lively and active games.
Marriage
In 1744, Empress Elizaveta Petrovna invited Princess Anhalt-Zerbst to come to Russia with her mother. Here the girl was christened according to the Orthodox tradition and began to be called Ekaterina Alekseevna. From that moment on, she received the status of the official bride of Prince Peter Fedorovich, the future Emperor Peter 3.
So, the exciting story of Catherine II in Russia began with their wedding, which took place on August 21, 1745. After this event, she received the title of Grand Duchess. As you know, her marriage was initially unhappy. Her husband Peter was at that time still an immature youth who played with soldiers instead of spending his time with his wife. Therefore, the future empress was forced to entertain herself: she read for a long time, and also invented various fun.
Children of Catherine 2
While the wife of Peter 3 looked like a decent lady, the heir to the throne himself never hid, so almost the entire court knew about his romantic predilections.
After five years, Catherine 2, whose biography, as you know, was also full of love stories, started her first romance on the side. Her chosen one was a guard officer S.V. Saltykov. On September 20, 9 years after her marriage, she gave birth to an heir. This event became the subject of court discussions, which, however, continue to this day, but already in academic circles. Some researchers are sure that the boy's father was in fact Catherine's lover, and not at all her husband Peter. Others claim that he was born of a husband. But be that as it may, the mother did not have time to take care of the child, so Elizaveta Petrovna herself took on his upbringing. Soon the future empress became pregnant again and gave birth to a girl named Anna. Unfortunately, this child only lived for 4 months.
After 1750, Catherine was tied by love ties with S. Poniatowski, a Polish diplomat who later became King Stanislaw August. At the beginning of 1760, she was already with G. G. Orlov, from whom she gave birth to her third child - the son of Alexei. The boy was given the surname Bobrinsky.
It must be said that due to numerous rumors and gossip, as well as the dissolute behavior of his wife, the children of Catherine 2 did not evoke any warm feelings in Peter 3. The man clearly doubted his biological paternity.
Needless to say, the future empress categorically rejected all the charges brought against her by her husband. Hiding from the attacks of Peter III, Catherine preferred to spend most of her time in her boudoir. The relationship with her husband, spoiled to the extreme, led to the fact that she began to seriously fear for her life. She was afraid that, having come to power, Peter 3 would take revenge on her, so she began to look for reliable allies at court.
Accession to the throne
After the death of his mother, Peter 3 ruled the state for only 6 months. For a long time he was spoken of as an ignorant and feeble-minded ruler with many vices. But who created such an image for him? Recently, historians are more and more inclined to think that such an unattractive image was created by memoirs written by the very organizers of the coup - Catherine II and E. R. Dashkova.
The fact is that her husband's attitude towards her was not just bad, it was clearly hostile. Therefore, the threat of exile or even arrest hanging over her served as an impetus for the preparation of a conspiracy against Peter 3. The Orlov brothers, K. G. Razumovsky, N. I. Panin, E. R. Dashkova and others helped her to organize the rebellion. On July 9, 1762, Peter III was overthrown, and a new empress, Catherine II, came to power. The deposed monarch was almost immediately taken to Ropsha (30 miles from St. Petersburg). He was accompanied by a guard of guards under the command of Alexei Orlov.
As you know, the story of Catherine II and, in particular, the one arranged by her is full of riddles that excite the minds of most researchers to this day. For example, the cause of the death of Peter 3, 8 days after his overthrow, has not yet been precisely established. According to the official version, he died from a whole bunch of diseases caused by prolonged alcohol use.
Until recently, it was believed that Peter 3 died a violent death by hand. Proof of this was a letter written by the killer and sent to Catherine from Ropsha. The original of this document has not survived, but there was only a copy allegedly taken by FV Rostopchin. Therefore, there is no direct evidence of the murder of the emperor yet.
Foreign policy
I must say that Catherine II the Great largely shared the views of Peter I that Russia in the world arena should take a leading position in all areas, while pursuing an offensive and even somewhat aggressive policy. Proof of this can be seen in the breakdown of the treaty of alliance with Prussia, concluded earlier by her husband Peter 3. She took this decisive step almost immediately, as soon as she ascended the throne.
The foreign policy of Catherine II was based on the fact that she everywhere tried to elevate her proteges to the throne. It was thanks to her that Duke E. I. Biron returned to the throne of Courland, and in 1763 her protégé, Stanislav August Poniatowski, began to rule in Poland. Such actions led to the fact that Austria began to fear an excessive increase in the influence of the northern state. Its representatives immediately began to incite the long-standing enemy of Russia - Turkey - to start a war against it. And Austria still achieved its goal.
We can say that the Russian-Turkish war, which lasted 6 years (from 1768 to 1774), was successful for the Russian Empire. Despite this, the internal political situation inside the country, which had not developed in the best way, forced Catherine II to seek peace. As a result, she had to restore her former allied relations with Austria. And a compromise was reached between the two countries. His victim was Poland, part of whose territory in 1772 was divided between three states: Russia, Austria and Prussia.
Land annexation and the new Russian doctrine
The signing of the Kyuchuk-Kainardzhiyskiy peace with Turkey ensured the independence of the Crimea, which is beneficial for the Russian state. In subsequent years, there was an increase in imperial influence not only on this peninsula, but also in the Caucasus. The result of this policy was the inclusion of Crimea in Russia in 1782. Soon the Treaty of Georgievsky was signed with the king of Kartli-Kakheti Irakli 2, which provided for the presence of Russian troops on the territory of Georgia. Subsequently, these lands were also annexed to Russia.
Catherine II, whose biography was inherently connected with the history of the country, from the second half of the 70s of the 18th century, together with the then government, began to form a completely new foreign policy position - the so-called Greek project. Its ultimate goal was the restoration of the Greek, or Byzantine Empire. Its capital was to be Constantinople, and its ruler - the grandson of Catherine II, Pavlovich.
By the end of the 70s, the foreign policy of Catherine II returned the country to its former international prestige, which was further strengthened after Russia acted as a mediator at the Teschen Congress between Prussia and Austria. In 1787, the empress with the Polish king and Austrian monarch, accompanied by her courtiers and foreign diplomats, made a long journey to the Crimean peninsula. This grandiose event demonstrated the entire military power of the Russian Empire.
Domestic policy
Most of the reforms and transformations that were carried out in Russia were as contradictory as Catherine II herself. The years of her reign were marked by the maximum enslavement of the peasantry, as well as the deprivation of even the most minimal rights. It was with her that a decree appeared prohibiting the filing of a complaint against the arbitrariness of landowners. In addition, corruption flourished among the highest state apparatus and officials, and the empress herself served as an example for them, who generously endowed both relatives and a large army of her admirers.
What she was
The personal qualities of Catherine II were described by her in her own memoirs. In addition, the research of historians, based on numerous documents, suggests that she was a subtle psychologist who was well versed in people. Proof of this is the fact that she selected only talented and bright people as her assistants. Therefore, its era was marked by the emergence of a whole cohort of brilliant commanders and statesmen, poets and writers, artists and musicians.
In dealing with her subordinates, Catherine II was usually tactful, restrained and patient. According to her, she always listened carefully to her interlocutor, capturing every practical thought, and then used it for good. Under her, in fact, not a single noisy resignation took place, she did not exile any of the nobles, and even less did she execute them. No wonder her reign is called the "golden age" of the flourishing of the Russian nobility.
Catherine II, whose biography and personality are full of contradictions, at the same time was rather vain and greatly valued the power she had won. In order to keep her in her hands, she was willing to compromise even to the detriment of her own convictions.
Personal life
The portraits of the Empress, painted during her youth, indicate that she had a rather pleasant appearance. Therefore, it is not surprising that the history of Catherine II's numerous love plays. To tell the truth, she could well remarry, but in this case her title, position, and most importantly, the fullness of power, would have been jeopardized.
According to the prevailing opinion of most historians, in her entire life, Catherine the Great changed about twenty lovers. Very often she presented them with a variety of valuable gifts, generously distributed honors and titles, and all this in order for them to be supportive of her.
Board results
It must be said that historians do not undertake to unequivocally assess all the events that occurred in Catherine's era, since at that time despotism and enlightenment went hand in hand side by side and were inextricably linked. During the years of her reign, there was everything: the development of education, culture and science, a significant strengthening Russian statehood in the international arena, the development of trade relations and diplomacy. But, as with any ruler, it was not without the oppression of the people, who endured numerous hardships. Such an internal policy could not fail to cause another popular unrest, which grew into a powerful and full-scale uprising led by Yemelyan Pugachev.
Conclusion
In the 1860s, an idea appeared: to erect a monument to Catherine II in St. Petersburg in honor of her 100-year accession to the throne. Its construction lasted 11 years, and the opening took place in 1873 on Alexandria Square. This is the most famous monument to the Empress. During the years of Soviet power, 5 of its monuments were lost. After 2000, several monuments were opened both in Russia and abroad: 2 in Ukraine and 1 in Transnistria. In addition, in 2010 a statue appeared in Zerbst (Germany), but not to Empress Catherine II, but to Sophia Frederica Augusta, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst.
(1729-1796) Russian empress from 1762 to 1796
Her real name was Sophia Frederica Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst. In 1743, she came to Russia from Stettin to become the wife of the nephew of Empress Anna Ioannovna Peter Holstein-Gottorp - the future Tsar Peter III. On August 21, 1745, their marriage took place, and she became Grand Duchess Catherine.
Until the end of her reign, the Empress did not manage to combine two incompatible desires: to become famous throughout the world for her liberal views and reforms and to prevent any freedoms in Russia. These contradictions of hers were especially evident in her relations with educated people. She instructed Ekaterina Dashkova, one of the most educated women of that time, to develop a project for the creation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, supported secular education. At the same time, it was during her reign that the already tough censorship was established.
The Empress was afraid of the slightest manifestation of free thought and severely punished A.N. Radishchev for his criticism of the existing order, set out in the book "Journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow", at the same time punishing N.I. Novikov, who dared to publish this book.
At the end of her reign, Catherine II ordered the dissolution of all Masonic lodges. N.I. Novikov was arrested and imprisoned in the Shlisselburg fortress, Prince Trubetskoy was exiled.
Nevertheless, Catherine II was an outstanding and bright personality, a brilliant publicist and writer. She wrote a lot on a variety of topics, left behind her personal "Notes", numerous letters. Particularly interesting is her correspondence with Diderot and Voltaire. True, she wrote mainly in French, since Russian has remained the language of everyday communication for her.