Catherine the Great Quotes

A collection of quotes by Catherine the Great.

Catherine the Great, also known as Catherine II, was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. She was born on April 21, 1729, in Stettin, Prussia (now Szczecin, Poland), and her original name was Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst.

In 1745, Sophie married Peter III, who later ascended the Russian throne, becoming Peter III of Russia. However, their marriage was tumultuous, and Catherine ultimately orchestrated a coup to overthrow him in 1762. She assumed power as Empress, beginning a reign that would see significant changes in Russia.

During her rule, Catherine implemented various reforms to modernize Russia and strengthen its position on the global stage. She encouraged education, promoted the arts and sciences, and expanded Russia's borders through military conquests. Catherine also established a new legal code and supported economic advancements, such as promoting trade and industry.

Catherine's reign was not without controversy, as she had to suppress numerous uprisings and faced criticism for her autocratic style of governance. However, she is still remembered as a capable and influential ruler who left a lasting impact on Russia.

Catherine the Great passed away on November 17, 1796, in Tsarskoye Selo, Russia (now Pushkin). Her reign is often considered a significant era of growth and enlightenment in Russian history.