Catherine the Great

Definition

Catherine the Great was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796, known for her significant contributions to the expansion and modernization of Russia. Her reign marked a period of enlightenment and cultural growth, which is reflected in the opulent court life and fashion that characterized the Baroque style in European courts during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Catherine the Great expanded Russian territory significantly through military victories and diplomatic efforts, notably gaining access to the Black Sea and territories in Poland.
2. She embraced Western European culture, promoting education and the arts, which influenced fashion and costume design at her court.
3. Catherine corresponded with prominent Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot, incorporating their ideas into her governance.
4. During her reign, she worked on legal reforms but struggled to address serfdom effectively, which remained a persistent issue in Russian society.
5. Catherine's court was a hub of Baroque opulence, with elaborate dresses and ceremonial attire that symbolized power and status in Russian society.

Review Questions

• How did Catherine the Great influence the cultural landscape of Russia during her reign?
  • Catherine the Great had a profound impact on Russia's cultural landscape by promoting education, arts, and literature, aligning with Enlightenment ideals. She invited artists and intellectuals to her court, encouraging the development of Russian culture while also embracing Western influences. This cultural shift is evident in the elaborate Baroque style of clothing and court ceremonies that became prominent during her reign.
• Discuss how Catherine's policies reflected both Baroque opulence and Enlightenment ideals.
  • Catherine's policies showcased a blend of Baroque opulence through her luxurious court life and ceremonial attire while simultaneously embracing Enlightenment ideals by advocating for education and legal reforms. Her patronage of the arts resulted in magnificent palaces adorned with extravagant decorations, embodying power. Yet she also sought to modernize Russia's legal system, reflecting a desire for rational governance rooted in Enlightenment thought.
• Evaluate Catherine the Great's legacy concerning serfdom and how it impacted Russian society beyond her reign.
  • Catherine the Great's legacy regarding serfdom is complex; while she made efforts to reform it, significant changes were not realized during her reign. The continuation of serfdom contributed to deep social divides within Russian society. This unresolved issue set the stage for growing discontent among serfs in subsequent years, culminating in significant uprisings in the 19th century that would challenge the social order she maintained.

Related terms

Baroque: An artistic and architectural style that flourished in Europe from the late 16th century to the early 18th century, characterized by grandeur, drama, and exuberance.

Enlightenment: An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing Catherine's policies and reforms.

Serfdom: A system of agricultural labor prevalent in Russia, where peasants were tied to the land and under the control of landowners, which Catherine sought to reform during her reign.