How Did Catherine The Great Influence Russia's Culture

Catherine the Great dedicated her life to lead Russia into a powerful and prosperous country by bringing western modernization through art reform. She expanded cultural life in Europe by patronizing the arts and unifying Russia. Catherine led her nation to great power to be able to hold itself up against its enemies in Europe. In the United States, a nation that is more divided than ever, Catherine II of Russia’s focus on the arts and culture could help renew the sense of national pride, bringing the people together as a whole. Catherine used art to define her reign and brought glory and stability to her nation, while bringing nationalism to the people. She believed that enlightenment came through “museums…with a deep sense of importance”

Museums are responsible for holding culture, and Catherine realized and used that to strengthen the community's character. Her focus on building a Russian culture brought people of various ethnic and political groups together through art. She expanded cultural and political life in Russia, while leaving an imprint in society by leaving glamorous and upstanding museums to hold Russia’s importance to be forever remembered. Catherine the Great saw how art “promotes expression and creativity” and gathers groups together as one to view historical context in the artwork (“The Importance of Art”). Art keeps people in the same place to view the museums, and so, all people are together to witness creation and tell a story through meaningful art which affects each person differently. Art can be found in everyday life, and by promoting art and architecture for her people, Catherine helped develop a uniquely Russian cultural identity which survives to this day. She created stability in Russia through art and unified her nation together to be one and stand against other countries without

Her whole motive to collect art was to transform her country “into a westernized country with international stature, not only in respect to its political and military standing but also as a seat of culture” (Whittaker 148). Culture reflects a community and shows a sense of belonging to the people. In divided nations, like the US, society lacks this sense of community and the result is increasing fragmentation. Catherine herself claimed in 1770 that her goal for Russia was to “shine in all military and civil virtues and that we should surpass all other nations in every genre” (Hughes 558). She provided a much needed sense of belonging and pride in her nation, and she brought all the people together. Traditions and customs unite people together in a way that politics and culture can not. Art and culture would bring the United States together as a whole and bring pride to its citizens under Catherine