Catherine The Great Research Paper

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Catherine the Great was the Empress of Russia from the year 1762 to the year 1796. She had made it a point during her rule to follow the acts of Peter the Great, one of the former rulers of Russia (Biography.com, 2015). Known for her liberal movements, her ambition, her charm, and her intellect; Catherine was one of the best minds of Europe during the 18th century. Catherine was born on May 2nd, 1729 in Stettin, Prussia by the name Sophia Friederike Auguste (Biography.com, 2015). Catherine was the daughter of Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, who was a German Prince, and Princess Johanna Elisabeth (Britannica.com, 2016). While growing up, her mother didn’t pay much attention to her daughter; so she was raised and educated by French governesses and tutors (New World Encyclopedia, 2017). Johanna, wanting to improve her own social …show more content…

At the age of 14, Catherine was introduced to Grand Duke Peter of Russia (Biography.com, 2015). The result of her pursuit of the Grand Duke, they engaged. It was with their engagement that she adopted the Russian Orthodox religion and Sophia became Catherine (Saint-Petersburg.com, 2017). The pair married in 1745, but their marriage was anything except happy. Catherine and Peter were not a strong match, for Peter was an obstinate and rebellious alcoholic; while both of them committed adultery over the course of their marriage (Britannica.com, 2016). Catherine had one child, Paul, during her marriage with Peter; but it is thought that Paul is not the child of Peter. It was said that Catherine had over 12 lovers in the course of her lifetime (New World Encyclopedia, 2017). The child grew up being raised by Elizabeth, Peter’s aunt and the Empress of Russia (Biography.com, 2015). Elizabeth died in 1762, making Peter the emperor and Catherine the empress. After only six months as emperor, Peter was overthrown; then later assassinated (New World Encyclopedia,