She
was the Empress of Russia, the most famous and longest-reigning
female leader of that country in its history—ruling for 34 years.
Also,
she wasn't born Russian! Instead, she was Prussian (German), and she
was educated by French tutors. Two of her first cousins became kings
of Sweden, but Catherine married a man who was next in line to become
czar (emperor) of Russia, Peter of Holsetin-Gottorp.
Unfortunately,
the marriage was not very successful. From what I read, it seems that
almost everyone disliked Peter, including Catherine! Many people who
hated Peter admired Catherine.
 |
| In Imperial Russia, the rich were very, very rich. They owned such things as fabulously jeweled eggs. |
After
the death of the empress of Russia, Peter was crowned Emperor Peter
III. Remember, he was highly disliked, but the monarchy goes along
bloodlines, not by popularity. Still, it would have been smart for
Peter to make more friends—because he only ruled for six months!
Then he was murdered, and Catherine was made Empress Catherine II.
(Historians
have found no firm evidence that Catherine actually conspired to kill
her estranged husband, by the way.)
 |
| ...And in Imperial Russia, the serfs were poor and had few rights. |
Russia
grew to be one of the great powers of Europe during Catherine's
reign. She modernized Russia and encouraged colonization of Alaska.
This time is considered the Golden Age of the Russian Empire—and
she is called “the Great.” However, Catherine did nothing to help
the poor workers, or serfs—as a matter of fact, their lives might
have become even more grim during her rule. So to me, she is not so
very great.
Great
Wisdom...
Catherine
the Great once said, “I
praise loudly, I blame softly.” What do you think she meant by
that? Is this a good idea?
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