Catherine the great biography summary example

Catherine the Great (1729 – 1796) was the longest-serving Russian monarch, reigning from 1762 to her death in 1796. She presided over a revitalisation of Russian strength, an expansion of Russian territories, greater integration of Russia within Europe and partial liberalisation of Russian society.

Early life

She was born Sophie Frederike August von Anhalt-Zerbst in Stettin, then part of Prussia (now modern Poland).

In 1745, she was accepted into the Russian Orthodox Church, changed her name to Catherine and married Grand Duke Peter, grandson of Peter the Great and heir to the Russian throne.

At first, she was viewed with suspicion in the Russian court because of her foreign roots, lack of Russian culture and liberal attitudes.

However, she threw herself into Russian culture and became adept at forming relationships within the Russian court. Over time, her foreign birth became less important, as she was increasingly seen as more capable than her husband – Tsar Peter