Catherine The Great Accomplishments

Catherine the Great was known for her impressive accomplishments as the empress of Russia. “Catherine was deeply motivated by a desire to make Russia better in the end than when she inherited it.” (Catherine the Great, 1:04-1:11) She expanded the Russian Empire through a series of wars and diplomatic efforts, increasing its size by a significant amount during her 34-year reign. “More than a hundred new towns were built; old ones were expanded and renovated. As commodities were plentiful, trade expanded and communications developed.” (Britannica-Legacy of Catherine the Great) Catherine also modernized Russia by implementing reforms in areas such as administration, education, and culture. Her work helped to create a strong and centralized government, which laid the foundation for Russia's future growth and development. “Ambitious in all things, Catherine is eager to fulfill all of her duties” (Catherine the Great, 10:04-10:10)

“Catherine was an intelligent woman familiar with the works of the philosophes. She claimed that she wished to reform Russia along the lines of Enlightenment ideas, but she was always shrewd enough to realize that her success depended on the support of the palace guard and the gentry class from which it stemmed.” (18-1c) She supported the establishment of cultural institutions, such as the Hermitage Museum, and encouraged the development of the arts and literature in Russia. Catherine's reign saw a flourishing of cultural activity, with many artists and intellectuals seeking refuge in Russia during the Enlightenment period. She was also known for her own intellect and her love of learning, which earned her the nickname "the