Catherine the Great

Catherine was born Sophia Augusta Fredericka to Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. Her birthplace was in the Prussian province of Pomerania.

Sophia Augusta Fredericka arrives in Russia to marry Grand Duke Peter, the heir to the Russian throne. She converts to Orthodoxy and changes her name to Catherine.

Catherine marries Grand Duke Peter, who is later to become Peter III. The marriage is politically motivated and strained, with Peter showing little interest in her.

Following a coup d'état, Catherine overthrows her husband, Peter III, and becomes Empress of Russia. She is crowned in Moscow, marking the beginning of her reign.

Catherine begins her extensive reforms, aimed at modernizing Russia. She introduces new laws, educational reforms, and cultural initiatives, drawing inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers.

Catherine establishes the Legislative Commission to draft a new legal code. The commission includes representatives from various social classes, reflecting her commitment to reform.

Catherine, in alliance with Prussia and Austria, participates in the First Partition of Poland, expanding Russian territory significantly. This marks the beginning of Poland's decline.

Catherine successfully quells the rebellion led by Yemelyan Pugachev, a Cossack who claimed to be the deceased Peter III. The rebellion threatened her authority and stability.

Catherine annexes the Crimean Khanate, extending Russian influence in the Black Sea region. This victory is a significant expansion of the empire's southern borders.

Catherine the Great dies of a stroke at the age of 67, leaving behind a legacy of reform, expansion, and cultural advancement in Russia. She is succeeded by her son, Paul I.