Catherine II of Russia Quotes

A collection of quotes by Catherine II of Russia.

Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great, was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. Born as Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg in 1729 in Prussia, she later converted to Orthodox Christianity and adopted the name Catherine Alexeyevna. Catherine married into the Russian royal family when she wed Peter III, who became the Emperor of Russia.

Upon Peter III's ascension to the throne in 1762, Catherine orchestrated a coup, overthrowing him and assuming power as Empress. Catherine implemented numerous reforms during her reign, making significant advancements in political, social, and economic spheres. She expanded Russia's territory, especially in the south, through a series of wars and acquisitions. Under her rule, Western European ideas and culture flourished, and education and the arts saw considerable development.

Catherine's reign is often associated with the Enlightenment, as she promoted progressive principles and encouraged thinkers and artists to contribute to the intellectual growth of the nation. She corresponded with prominent Enlightenment figures such as Voltaire and Denis Diderot, earning her a reputation as an enlightened monarch.

Catherine's personal life was tumultuous, characterized by numerous affairs and rumored lovers. However, it was her intellectual curiosity, political acumen, and ambitious reforms that defined her rule and positioned her as one of the most influential leaders in Russian history. Catherine the Great left a lasting legacy as a powerful and sophisticated ruler, shaping Russia's place on the world stage during her reign.