Catherine the Great

Definition

Catherine the Great was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until 1796, known for her significant role in expanding Russian territory and her efforts to modernize and westernize the country. Her reign marked a period of enlightened absolutism, where she sought to implement reforms inspired by Enlightenment ideas while maintaining her absolute power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Catherine came to power after a coup that overthrew her husband, Peter III, and she ruled for 34 years, making her one of the longest-serving female leaders in history.
2. She expanded Russian territories significantly through successful military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and Poland, enhancing Russia's status as a major European power.
3. Catherine is known for her correspondence with leading Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot, which influenced her reform agenda.
4. Her government implemented various reforms in education, law, and government administration, aiming to modernize Russian society.
5. Despite her reforms, Catherine faced significant opposition from the nobility and peasantry, culminating in Pugachev's Rebellion which challenged her rule and highlighted social discontent.

Review Questions

• How did Catherine the Great’s policies reflect the principles of enlightened absolutism during her reign?
  • Catherine the Great's policies embodied enlightened absolutism through her attempts to modernize Russian governance while maintaining her autocratic rule. She sought to implement reforms based on Enlightenment ideals by promoting education, legal reforms, and the modernization of state institutions. However, despite these progressive measures, she ultimately prioritized her power and control over radical changes that could undermine her authority.
• In what ways did Catherine the Great's military campaigns shape the territorial expansion of Russia and its influence in Europe?
  • Catherine's military campaigns were crucial in expanding Russian territory and asserting its influence in Europe. Her victories against the Ottoman Empire allowed Russia to gain control over strategically important regions such as Crimea. Additionally, her involvement in the partitions of Poland significantly increased Russian territory and showcased her ambitions as a European power, shifting the balance of influence within the continent.
• Evaluate the impact of social unrest during Catherine the Great’s reign, particularly focusing on Pugachev’s Rebellion and its implications for her rule.
  • Pugachev's Rebellion highlighted the deep social unrest and dissatisfaction among serfs and peasants during Catherine the Great’s reign. This uprising challenged her authority and underscored the limitations of her reforms. Although she managed to suppress the rebellion, it forced Catherine to reconsider some of her policies regarding serfdom and highlighted the stark divide between the nobility and peasantry. The rebellion ultimately reflected ongoing tensions within Russian society that would continue to shape future governance.

Related terms

Enlightened Absolutism: A form of absolute monarchy that emerged in the 18th century, where rulers embraced Enlightenment principles such as rationality, progress, and tolerance while retaining their central authority.

Pugachev's Rebellion: A major peasant uprising in Russia during Catherine's reign, led by Yemelyan Pugachev, which challenged her authority and highlighted the social tensions within Russian society.

Westernization: The process of adopting Western European culture, ideas, and practices, which Catherine pursued to modernize Russia and strengthen its position in Europe.