Just Fike. How a poor German provincial became Catherine the Great. Catherine II: from Fike to the Great Personal life of Catherine II

At birth, the girl was given the name Sophia Frederica Augusta. Her father, Christian August, was the prince of the small German principality of Anhalt-Zerbst, but he won fame for his achievements in the military field. The mother of the future Catherine, Princess of Holstein-Gottorp Johanna Elizabeth, cared little about raising her daughter. And because the girl was raised by a governess.

Catherine was educated by tutors, and, among them, a chaplain who gave the girl religious lessons. However, the girl had her own point of view on many questions. She also mastered three languages: German, French and Russian.

Entry into the royal family of Russia

In 1744, the girl goes with her mother to Russia. The German princess becomes engaged to Grand Duke Peter and converts to Orthodoxy, receiving the name Catherine at baptism.

August 21, 1745 Catherine marries the heir to the throne of Russia, becoming a princess. However, family life was far from happy.

After long childless years, Catherine II finally gave birth to an heir. Her son Pavel was born on September 20, 1754. And then heated debate flared up about who really is the boy's father. Be that as it may, Catherine hardly saw her first-born: shortly after birth, Empress Elizabeth takes the child to be raised.

Seizure of the throne

On December 25, 1761, after the death of Empress Elizabeth, Peter III ascended the throne, and Catherine became the wife of the emperor. However, it has little to do with state affairs. Peter and his wife were frankly cruel. Soon, due to the stubborn support he provided to Prussia, Peter becomes a stranger to many court, secular and military officials. The founder of what today we call progressive internal state reforms, Peter also quarreled with the Orthodox Church, taking away church lands. And now, six months later, Peter was deposed from the throne as a result of a conspiracy that Catherine entered into with her lover, Russian lieutenant Grigory Orlov, and a number of other persons, in order to seize power. She successfully manages to force her husband to abdicate and take control of the empire into her own hands. A few days after the abdication, in one of his estates, in Ropsha, Peter was strangled. What role Catherine played in the murder of her husband is unclear to this day.

Fearing herself to be thrown off by the opposing forces, Catherine is trying with all her might to win the favor of the troops and the church. She recalls the troops sent by Peter to the war against Denmark and in every possible way encourages and gives gifts to those who go over to her side. She even compares herself to Peter the Great, whom she reveres, declaring that she is following in his footsteps.

Governing body

Despite the fact that Catherine is a supporter of absolutism, she still makes a number of attempts to carry out social and political reforms. She publishes a document, the "Order", in which she proposes to abolish the death penalty and torture, and also proclaims the equality of all people. However, the Senate resolutely refuses any attempts to change the feudal system.

After finishing work on the "Order", in 1767, Catherine convenes representatives of various social and economic strata of the population to form the Legislative Commission. The commission did not leave the legislative body, but its convocation went down in history as the first time that representatives of the Russian people from all over the empire had the opportunity to express their ideas about the needs and problems of the country.

Later, in 1785, Catherine issued the Charter of the Nobility, in which she radically changed politics and challenged the power of the upper classes, in which most of the masses were under the yoke of serfdom.

Catherine, a religious skeptic by nature, seeks to subjugate the Orthodox Church to her power. At the beginning of her reign, she returned land and property to the church, but soon changed her views. The empress declares the church a part of the state, and therefore all her possessions, including more than a million serfs, become the property of the empire and are subject to taxes.

Foreign policy

During her reign, Catherine expands the borders of the Russian Empire. She makes significant acquisitions in Poland, having previously seated her former lover, the Polish prince Stanislaw Poniatowski, on the throne of the kingdom. Under the agreement of 1772, Catherine gives part of the lands of the Commonwealth to Prussia and Austria, while the eastern part of the kingdom, where many Russian Orthodox live, goes to the Russian Empire.

But such actions cause extreme disapproval of Turkey. In 1774, Catherine makes peace with the Ottoman Empire, according to which the Russian state receives new lands and access to the Black Sea. One of the heroes of the Russian-Turkish war was Grigory Potemkin, a reliable adviser and lover of Catherine.

Potemkin, a loyal supporter of the policy of the empress, himself proved himself to be an outstanding statesman. It was he, in 1783, who convinced Catherine to annex the Crimea to the empire, thereby strengthening her position on the Black Sea.

Love for education and art

At the time of Catherine's accession to the throne, Russia for Europe was a backward and provincial state. The Empress is trying with all her might to change this opinion, expanding the possibilities for new ideas in education and the arts. In St. Petersburg, she establishes a boarding school for girls of noble birth, and later free schools open in all cities of Russia.

Catherine patronizes many cultural projects. She is gaining fame as an ardent collector of art, and most of her collection is exhibited in her residence in St. Petersburg, in the Hermitage.

Catherine, passionately fond of literature, is especially favorable to the philosophers and writers of the Enlightenment. Endowed with literary talent, the empress describes her own life in a collection of memoirs.

Personal life

The love life of Catherine II became the subject of many gossip and false facts. The myths about her insatiability have been debunked, but this royal person really had many love affairs in her life. She could not remarry, because marriage could shake her position, and therefore in society she had to wear a mask of chastity. But, far from prying eyes, Catherine showed a remarkable interest in men.

End of reign

By 1796, Catherine had absolute power in the empire for several decades. And in last years During her reign, she showed all the same vivacity of mind and strength of spirit. But in mid-November 1796, she was found unconscious on the bathroom floor. At that time, everyone came to the conclusion that she had a stroke.

The great Russian Empress Catherine II survived until the next night, but she never regained consciousness. November 17, 1796 she died. Her son, Pavel, ordered to put the remains of his father next to her coffin, arranging a funeral for Peter III, which he was not awarded after the murder. Catherine II and Peter III are buried in the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul.

Catherine II made a significant contribution to the development of the Russian Empire, carrying out educational reforms and encouraging the development of the arts. During her reign, she expanded the borders of the state with the help of the military power of the empire and her own diplomatic talent.

Biography score

New feature! The average rating this biography received. Show rating

Daughter of Prince Christian-August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Princess Johanna-Elisabeth.

She was born on April 21 (May 2), 1729 in Shettin. Her father, Prince Christian-August of Anhalt-Zerbsky, served the Prussian king, but his family was considered impoverished. The mother of Sophia Augusta was the sister of King Adolf-Friedrich of Sweden. Other relatives of the mother of the future Empress Catherine ruled Prussia and England. Sophia Augusta, (family nickname - Fike) was the eldest daughter in the family. She was educated at home.

In 1739, the 10-year-old Princess Fike was introduced to her future husband, heir to the Russian throne, Karl Peter Ulrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, who was the nephew of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich Romanov. The heir to the Russian throne made a negative impression on the highest Prussian society, showed himself to be uneducated and narcissistic.

In 1778 she composed the following epitaph for herself:

Having ascended the Russian throne, she wished well

And she strongly desired to give her subjects Happiness, Freedom and Prosperity.

She easily forgave and did not deprive anyone of freedom.

She was indulgent, did not complicate her life and had a cheerful disposition.

She had a republican soul and a good heart. She had friends.

Work was easy for her, friendship and the arts brought her joy.

Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin (according to some sources)

Anna Petrovna

Alexey Grigorievich Bobrinsky

Elizaveta Grigoryevna Tyomkina

Collected works published at the end of the 19th century Catherine II in 12 volumes, which included children's moralizing tales written by the empress, pedagogical teachings, dramatic plays, articles, autobiographical notes, translations.

The reign of Ekaterina Alekseevna is often considered the "golden age" of the Russian Empire. Thanks to her reforming activities, she is the only Russian ruler who, like Peter I, was awarded the epithet "Great" in the historical memory of her compatriots.

The topic of this article is the biography of Catherine the Great. This empress reigned from 1762 to 1796. The era of her reign was marked by the enslavement of the peasants. Also, Catherine the Great, whose biography, photos and activities are presented in this article, significantly expanded the privileges of the nobility.

Origin and childhood of Catherine

The future empress was born on May 2 (according to the new style - April 21), 1729 in Stettin. She was the daughter of the Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, who was in the Prussian service, and Princess Johanna-Elisabeth. The future empress was related to the English, Prussian and Swedish royal houses. She received her education at home: she studied French and German, music, theology, geography, history, and danced. Opening such a topic as the biography of Catherine the Great, we note that the independent nature of the future empress manifested itself already in childhood. She was a persistent, inquisitive child, had a penchant for mobile, lively games.

Baptism and wedding of Catherine

Catherine, together with her mother, was summoned by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna to Russia in 1744. Here she was baptized according to the Orthodox tradition. Ekaterina Alekseevna became the bride of Peter Fedorovich, the Grand Duke (in the future - Emperor Peter III). She married him in 1745.

Hobbies of the Empress

Catherine wanted to win the favor of her husband, the empress and the Russian people. Her personal life, however, was unsuccessful. Since Peter was infantile, there was no marital relationship between them for several years of marriage. Catherine was fond of reading works on jurisprudence, history and economics, as well as French enlighteners. All these books have shaped her worldview. The future empress became a supporter of the ideas of the Enlightenment. She was also interested in the traditions, customs and history of Russia.

Personal life of Catherine II

Today we know quite a lot about such an important historical person as Catherine the Great: biography, her children, personal life - all this is the object of research by historians and the interest of many of our compatriots. For the first time we get acquainted with this empress at school. However, what we learn in history lessons is far from complete information about such an empress as Catherine the Great. A biography (grade 4) from a school textbook omits, for example, her personal life.

Catherine II in the early 1750s began an affair with S.V. Saltykov, Guards officer. She gave birth to a son in 1754, the future Emperor Paul I. Nevertheless, rumors that Saltykov was his father are unfounded. In the second half of the 1750s, Catherine had an affair with S. Poniatowski, a Polish diplomat who later became King Stanislaw August. Also in the early 1760s - with G.G. Orlov. The Empress gave birth to his son Alexei in 1762, who received the surname Bobrinsky. As relations with her husband deteriorated, Catherine began to fear for her fate and began to recruit supporters at court. Her sincere love for her homeland, her prudence and ostentatious piety - all this contrasted with the behavior of her husband, which allowed the future empress to gain authority among the population of St. Petersburg and the high-society metropolitan society.

Proclamation of Catherine as Empress

Catherine's relationship with her husband continued to deteriorate during the 6 months of his reign, eventually becoming hostile. Peter III openly appeared in the company of his mistress E.R. Vorontsova. There was a threat of Catherine's arrest and her possible expulsion. The future empress carefully prepared the plot. She was supported by N.I. Panin, E.R. Dashkova, K.G. Razumovsky, the Orlov brothers and others. One night, from June 27 to 28, 1762, when Peter III was in Oranienbaum, Catherine secretly arrived in St. Petersburg. She was proclaimed in the barracks of the Izmailovsky Regiment as an autocratic empress. Other regiments soon joined the rebels. The news of the empress's accession to the throne quickly spread throughout the city. Petersburgers greeted her with delight. Messengers were sent to Kronstadt and the army to prevent the actions of Peter III. He, having learned about what happened, began to send proposals for negotiations to Catherine, but she rejected them. The empress personally went to St. Petersburg, leading the regiments of the guards, and received on the way a written abdication of the throne by Peter III.

More about the palace coup

As a result of a palace coup on July 9, 1762, Catherine II came to power. It happened in the following way. Because of the arrest of Passek, all the conspirators rose to their feet, fearing that under torture they might be betrayed by the arrested person. It was decided to send Alexei Orlov for Ekaterina. The Empress at that time lived in anticipation of the name day of Peter III in Peterhof. On the morning of June 28, Alexei Orlov ran into her bedroom and told her about Passek's arrest. Ekaterina got into Orlov's carriage, she was brought to the Izmailovsky regiment. The soldiers ran out to the square on the drum beat and immediately swore allegiance to her. She then moved to the Semyonov regiment, which also swore allegiance to the Empress. Accompanied by a crowd of people, at the head of two regiments, Catherine went to the Kazan Cathedral. Here, at a prayer service, she was proclaimed empress. Then she went to the Winter Palace and found the Synod and the Senate there already assembled. They also swore allegiance to her.

Personality and character of Catherine II

Not only the biography of Catherine the Great is interesting, but also her personality and character, which left an imprint on her domestic and foreign policy. Catherine II was a subtle psychologist and an excellent connoisseur of people. The Empress skillfully chose assistants, while not being afraid of talented and bright personalities. Therefore, Catherine's time was marked by the appearance of many prominent statesmen, as well as generals, musicians, artists, and writers. Catherine was usually restrained, tactful, and patient in dealing with her subjects. She was an excellent conversationalist, she could listen carefully to anyone. By her own admission, the Empress did not possess a creative mind, but she caught worthwhile thoughts and knew how to use them for her own purposes.

There were almost no noisy resignations during the reign of this empress. The nobles were not subject to disgrace, they were not exiled or executed. Because of this, the reign of Catherine is considered the "golden age" of the nobility in Russia. The Empress, at the same time, was very vain and valued her power more than anything in the world. She was ready to make any compromises for the sake of her preservation, including to the detriment of her own convictions.

Religiosity of the Empress

This empress was distinguished by ostentatious piety. She considered herself the protector of the Orthodox Church and its head. Catherine skillfully used religion for political interests. Apparently, her faith was not very deep. The biography of Catherine the Great is marked by the fact that she preached religious tolerance in the spirit of the times. It was under this empress that the persecution of the Old Believers was stopped. Protestant and Catholic churches and mosques were erected. Nevertheless, the conversion to another faith from Orthodoxy was still severely punished.

Catherine - an opponent of serfdom

Catherine the Great, whose biography interests us, was an ardent opponent of serfdom. She considered him contrary to human nature and inhumane. Many sharp statements on this issue were preserved in her papers. Also in them you can find her reasoning on how serfdom can be eliminated. Nevertheless, the empress did not dare to do anything concrete in this area because of the fear of another coup and a noble rebellion. Catherine, however, was convinced that the Russian peasants are spiritually undeveloped, so there is a danger in granting them freedom. According to the empress, the life of the peasants is quite prosperous with caring landowners.

First reforms

When Catherine came to the throne, she already had a fairly definite political program. It was based on the ideas of the Enlightenment and took into account the peculiarities of Russia's development. Consistency, gradualness and consideration of public sentiment were the main principles for the implementation of this program. Catherine II in the first years of her reign reformed the Senate (in 1763). His work became more efficient as a result. The following year, in 1764, Catherine the Great carried out the secularization of church lands. The biography for the children of this empress, presented on the pages of school textbooks, surely acquaints schoolchildren with this fact. Secularization significantly replenished the treasury, and also eased the situation of many peasants. Catherine in Ukraine liquidated the hetmanship in accordance with the need to unify local government throughout the state. In addition, she invited German colonists to the Russian Empire to develop the Black Sea and Volga regions.

The foundation of educational institutions and the new Code

In the same years, a number of educational institutions were founded, including for women (the first in Russia) - the Catherine School, the Smolny Institute. In 1767, the Empress announced that a special commission was being convened to create a new Code. It consisted of elected deputies, representatives of all social groups of society, except for serfs. For the commission, Catherine wrote "Instruction", which is, in fact, the liberal program of the reign of this empress. However, her calls were not understood by the deputies. On the smallest issues they argued. Deep contradictions between social groups were revealed in the course of these discussions, as well as the low level of political culture among many deputies and the conservatism of most of them. The established commission was dissolved at the end of 1768. The empress appreciated this experience as an important lesson that introduced her to the moods of various segments of the population of the state.

Development of legislative acts

After the Russian-Turkish war ended, which lasted from 1768 to 1774, and the Pugachev uprising was suppressed, a new stage of Catherine's reforms began. The empress began to develop the most important legislative acts herself. In particular, a manifesto was issued in 1775, according to which it was allowed to start any industrial enterprises without restrictions. Also in this year, a provincial reform was carried out, as a result of which a new administrative division of the empire was established. It survived until 1917.

Expanding the topic "Brief biography of Catherine the Great", we note that in 1785 the Empress issued the most important legislative acts. These were letters of grant to the cities and the nobility. A charter was also prepared for the state peasants, but political circumstances did not allow it to be put into effect. The main significance of these letters was associated with the implementation of the main goal of Catherine's reforms - the creation of full-fledged estates in the empire on the model of Western Europe. The diploma meant for the Russian nobility the legal consolidation of almost all the privileges and rights that they had.

Recent and unrealized reforms proposed by Catherine the Great

The biography (summary) of the empress of interest to us is marked by the fact that she carried out various reforms until her death. For example, education reform was continued into the 1780s. Catherine the Great, whose biography is presented in this article, created a network of school institutions based on the classroom system in cities. The Empress in the last years of her life continued to plan major transformations. The reform of the central administration was scheduled for 1797, as well as the introduction of legislation on the succession to the throne in the country, the creation of a higher court based on representation from the 3rd estates. However, Catherine II the Great did not have time to complete the extensive reform program. Her brief biography, however, would be incomplete if we did not mention all this. In general, all these reforms were a continuation of the reforms begun by Peter I.

Catherine's foreign policy

What else is interesting about the biography of Catherine the Great? The empress, following Peter, believed that Russia should actively act on the world stage, pursue an offensive policy, even to some extent aggressive. After accession to the throne, she broke the alliance treaty with Prussia, concluded by Peter III. Thanks to the efforts of this empress, it was possible to restore Duke E.I. Biron on the throne of Courland. Supported by Prussia, in 1763 Russia achieved the election of Stanisław August Poniatowski, his henchman, to the Polish throne. This, in turn, led to a deterioration in relations with Austria due to the fact that she feared the strengthening of Russia and began to incite Turkey to war with her. On the whole, the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774 was successful for Russia, but the difficult situation inside the country encouraged her to seek peace. And for this it was necessary to restore the old relations with Austria. In the end, a compromise was reached. Poland fell victim to it: its first division was carried out in 1772 by Russia, Austria and Prussia.

The Kyuchuk-Kaynarji peace treaty was signed with Turkey, which ensured the independence of the Crimea, which was beneficial for Russia. The empire in the war between England and the colonies of North America took neutrality. Catherine refused to help the troops of the English king. A number of European states joined the Declaration on Armed Neutrality, created at the initiative of Panin. This contributed to the victory of the colonists. In subsequent years, the position of our country in the Caucasus and in the Crimea was strengthened, which ended with the inclusion of the latter into the Russian Empire in 1782, as well as the signing of the Treaty of Georgievsk with Erekle II, the King of Kartli-Kakheti, the following year. This ensured the presence of Russian troops in Georgia, and then the annexation of its territory to Russia.

Strengthening of authority in the international arena

The new foreign policy doctrine of the Russian government was formed in the 1770s. It was a Greek project. Its main goal was to restore the Byzantine Empire and declare Emperor Konstantin Pavlovich, who was the grandson of Catherine II. Russia in 1779 significantly strengthened its authority in the international arena, participating as an intermediary between Prussia and Austria in the Teschen Congress. The biography of Empress Catherine the Great can also be supplemented by the fact that in 1787, accompanied by the court, the Polish king, the Austrian emperor and foreign diplomats, she traveled to the Crimea. It became a demonstration of Russia's military power.

Wars with Turkey and Sweden, further partitions of Poland

The biography of Catherine the Great continued with the fact that she started a new Russian-Turkish war. Russia was now acting in alliance with Austria. Almost at the same time, the war with Sweden also began (from 1788 to 1790), which tried to take revenge after the defeat in the Northern War. The Russian Empire managed to cope with both of these opponents. In 1791 the war with Turkey ended. The Peace of Jassy was signed in 1792. He secured the influence of Russia in Transcaucasia and Bessarabia, as well as the annexation of Crimea to it. The 2nd and 3rd Partitions of Poland took place in 1793 and 1795 respectively. They put an end to Polish statehood.

Empress Catherine the Great, short biography which was examined by us, died on November 17 (according to the old style - November 6), 1796 in St. Petersburg. So significant is her contribution to Russian history that the memory of Catherine II is kept by many works of domestic and world culture, including the works of such great writers as N.V. Gogol, A.S. Pushkin, B. Shaw, V. Pikul and others. The life of Catherine the Great, her biography inspired many directors - the creators of such films as "Caprice of Catherine II", "Royal Hunt", "Young Catherine", "Dreams of Russia", " Russian rebellion" and others.

German princess on the Russian throne

Sophia Augusta Frederica of Anhalt-Tserbskaya (or as her family called her - Fike) on the way to Russia asked herself two important lessons - to master the Russian language, customs and learn to please. Fika succeeded. Outstanding abilities allowed her to occupy the throne of the Russian Empire for 34 years. However, before becoming Catherine the Great, the German princess had a hard time.

Fight for a place
In February 1744, Fike arrived in Moscow, where the imperial court was located at that time. With enviable perseverance, she took up the study of the Russian language. On June 28, 1744, a German woman converted to Orthodoxy. During her address, she clearly pronounced her confession in good Russian, which surprised those present very much. The next day, the princess became engaged to Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich. After that, she received the title of Grand Duchess and a new name - Ekaterina Alekseevna.
The position of Ekaterina Alekseevna was not easy. She ended up in a foreign country, her husband neglected her, Empress Elizabeth humiliated her. For 18 years, the Grand Duchess waged a secret struggle for her place at the Russian court.
Therefore, when the time came, Catherine acted boldly and decisively.
After the death of Elizabeth on December 25, 1761, Peter III reigned on the throne. The new emperor did not behave quite adequately (the admirer of Frederick II first of all stopped Russia's victorious participation in the Seven Years' War, signed an agreement according to which all her lands were returned to Prussia), setting against himself not only the environment.

As a result, Catherine, who led the coup, was readily sworn in not only by the regiments of the guard, but also by the Senate and the Synod.

As the historian Vasily Klyuchevsky noted, she was "the last accident on the Russian throne." Catherine all the time "with a firm, albeit inaudible, step walked along the intended path, sneaking up to the throne." As a result, she illegally seized power twice: she took it from her husband and did not transfer it to her son Pavel.
Being German by origin, she learned the main thing - the Russian Empress should put the interests of Russia in the first place and tried not to deviate from this fundamental rule. Possessing great capacity for work, willpower and determination, the autocrat was able to suppress emotional outbursts in herself under various conditions.
Catherine II began her reign with internal transformations. The Secret Expedition was established - the highest body of political supervision and investigation, the hetmanship in Ukraine was abolished, the monastic lands were alienated and transferred to the state. Catherine II deftly split the close-knit noble Senate, which forever lost its former importance after a decree was signed in September 1763 dividing it into six departments. Subsequently, the empress single-handedly headed the central government apparatus, only in some cases convening the Council at the royal court as an advisory body, composed of major dignitaries of her choice.
Also in Russia, the first banknotes (paper money) were put into circulation, and new credit institutions appeared - the State Bank and the Loan Treasury. In the same year, Catherine II created a medical commission and orders of public charity, which for the first time began to deal with health issues. An associate of Catherine II, Ivan Betskoy, thought out and brought to reality a system of educational institutions, which included boarding houses, pedagogical, art, medical, commercial and theater schools. The following were opened: a school at the Academy of Arts, a commercial school, the Educational Society for Noble Maidens in St. Petersburg and the Catherine's School - the first women's educational institutions. In the future, the empress continued the reform of education: a system of public schools for the diverse population was developed, which were opened in cities, counties and large villages.
After the end of the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774 and the suppression of the uprising under the leadership of Pugachev, a new stage of Catherine's reforms began. In 1775, a manifesto was issued that allowed the free establishment of any industrial enterprises. Merchants who owned capital over 500 rubles were exempt from the poll tax and paid a tax of 1% on capital; they could get rid of recruitment duty by giving 360 rubles. The Empress also adopted a preferential customs tariff for the Black Sea ports and abolished industrial and trade monopolies. The development of southern Russia made it possible to trade in grain on the Black Sea; new cities were laid in Russia, a naval base was built in Sevastopol. All these activities contributed to the expansion of exports and the improvement of various industries.
In the same year, the "Institution for the management of the province of the All-Russian Empire" appeared. The new provincial reform introduced changes in local government. Instead of the previous three levels of regional administration - province, province and county - only two remained - province and county. The number of provinces increased from 20 to 50. Catherine II personally elected people known to her who had already proven themselves to the highest administrative positions. The provincial reform significantly strengthened state power in the localities. The established institutions (the provincial government, the upper zemstvo court, the provincial magistrate, the upper zemstvo reprisal, orders of public charity, the guardianship of the nobility, the orphan's court) performed extensive functions.

In 1785, Catherine II issued her most important legislative acts - charters to the nobility and cities.

Thus, the empress stimulated the creation in Russia of full-fledged estates of the Western European type. For the Russian nobility, a charter meant a legal consolidation of almost all the rights and privileges that they had.
A third charter was also prepared - to the state peasants, but it never came into effect. Despite the fact that Catherine was a staunch opponent of serfdom (in her papers, discussions about various options for the elimination of serfdom were preserved), she did not dare to do anything specific in this area because of the fear of a palace coup.

Golden age
In the foreign policy of the state, not a single serious issue also passed by Catherine II. “I want to manage myself. And let Europe know about it!” - she said to her favorite Grigory Potemkin. Catherine had considerable experience in international affairs. She mastered the art of pretense, which in the 18th century was considered the main quality of a diplomat. “They will be very mistaken,” she said of herself, “whoever judges affairs by the initial methods.”

The Empress believed that Russia should take an active position on the world stage and pursue an offensive policy.

In 1764, Catherine II achieved the election of her protege Stanislav Poniatowski to the Polish throne and supported him in every possible way, assisted in the fight against the Bar Confederation (it was convened to counter Russian influence in the Commonwealth and advocated the deposition of Poniatowski). The Confederation, in turn, sought the support of France and Ottoman Empire. Taking advantage of the Haidamaks' attack on the border Tatar village of Galta, Porta, at the instigation of France and counting on the assistance of Austria, she declared war on Russia under the pretext of non-compliance with the treaties regarding the Commonwealth.
The Russian-Turkish war was generally successful for Russia, but the difficult domestic political situation prompted the country to seek peace, for which it was necessary to restore relations with Austria. As a result, a compromise was reached, Russia, Prussia and Austria carried out the first division of part of the Polish territory. With Turkey, the Kyuchuk-Kaynardzhysky peace was signed, which ensured the independence of the Crimea, which was beneficial for Russia. The Black Sea coast with the fortresses of Kerch, Yenikale and Kinburn also passed under the authority of the empire.
In subsequent years, Russian positions in the Crimea and the Caucasus were strengthened, culminating in the inclusion of Crimea into Russia and the signing of the Treaty of Georgievsk with the King of Kartli-Kakheti Erekle II in 1783 (the treaty ensured the presence of Russian troops in Georgia).
In 1787, Catherine II, accompanied by the court, foreign diplomats, the Austrian emperor Joseph II and the Polish king Stanislav Poniatowski, made a trip to the Crimea, which became a grandiose demonstration of Russian military power. Soon after this, a new war with Turkey began (1787 - 1791). Russia successfully coped with the enemy. The Treaty of Jassy was signed, which secured Russia's influence in Bessarabia and Transcaucasia, as well as the annexation of Crimea. In 1793 and 1795, the second and third partitions of Poland took place, which ended the Polish statehood.

The territory of the country expanded due to the reclaimed lands, the influence of the empire grew so much that, in the words of Chancellor Alexander Bezborodko, "not a single gun in Europe dared to fire without our permission."

Russia included the Northern Black Sea region, Crimea, the North Caucasus, Western Ukrainian, Belarusian and Lithuanian lands. In the east, the development and settlement of Alaska and California by Russians began. The Aleutian Islands went to Russia.
Catherine II - a subtle psychologist and an excellent connoisseur of people - skillfully selected bright and talented associates for herself. Her time was marked by the appearance of a galaxy of prominent statesmen, generals, writers, artists, and musicians. Catherine's reign was perceived as the "golden age" of the Russian nobility. However, the end of the reign of the Empress was not so glorious. Millions of sums were spent on the favorites, the results of numerous wars also affected, the costs of the army and navy doubled. The immoderate issue of banknotes led to the depreciation of the ruble. The country's external debt amounted to 41.4 million rubles. However, the huge territorial gains, the growth of industry, the increase in the number of hospitals and schools as a result of the successful activities of the empress allowed the descendants to name Catherine the Great. The autocrat died after a stroke on November 6, 1796.

Special for the Centenary

An ambiguous personality was Catherine the Great - the Russian Empress of German origin. In most articles and films, she is shown as a lover of court balls and luxurious toilets, as well as numerous favorites with whom she once had a very close relationship.

Unfortunately, few people know that she was a very smart, bright and talented organizer. And this is an indisputable fact, since the political changes that took place during the years of her reign were related to. In addition, the numerous reforms that affected the public and state life of the country are another proof of the originality of her personality.

Origin

Catherine 2, whose biography was so amazing and unusual, was born on May 2, 1729 in Stettin, Germany. Her full name is Sophia Augusta Frederica, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst. Her parents were Prince Christian-August of Anhalt-Zerbst and his equal in title Johanna-Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp, who was related to such royal houses as English, Swedish and Prussian.

The future Russian empress was educated at home. She was taught theology, music, dance, the basics of geography and history, and, in addition to her native German, she also knew French very well. Already in early childhood, she showed her independent character, perseverance and curiosity, preferred lively and outdoor games.

Marriage

In 1744, Empress Elizaveta Petrovna invited the Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst to come to Russia with her mother. Here the girl was baptized according to the Orthodox custom and began to be called Ekaterina Alekseevna. From that moment on, she received the status of the official bride of Prince Peter Fedorovich, the future Emperor Peter 3.

So, the fascinating story of Catherine 2 in Russia began with their wedding, which took place on August 21, 1745. After this event, she received the title of Grand Duchess. As you know, her marriage was unhappy initially. Her husband Peter was at that time still an immature youth who played with soldiers instead of spending his time in the company of his wife. Therefore, the future empress was forced to entertain herself: she read for a long time, and also invented various amusements.

Children of Catherine 2

While the wife of Peter 3 looked like a decent lady, the heir to the throne himself never hid, so almost the entire court knew about his romantic passions.

After five years, Catherine 2, whose biography, as you know, was also full of love stories, started her first romance on the side. Guards officer S. V. Saltykov became her chosen one. September 20, 9 years after her marriage, she gave birth to an heir. This event became the subject of court discussions, which, however, continue to this day, but already in scientific circles. Some researchers are sure that the boy’s father was actually Catherine’s lover, and not her husband Peter at all. Others say that he was born of a husband. But be that as it may, the mother did not have time to take care of the child, so Elizaveta Petrovna herself took over his upbringing. Soon the future empress became pregnant again and gave birth to a girl named Anna. Unfortunately, this child lived only 4 months.

After 1750, Catherine had a love relationship with S. Poniatowski, a Polish diplomat who later became King Stanislaw August. At the beginning of 1760, she was already with G. G. Orlov, from whom she gave birth to a third child - the son of Alexei. The boy was given the surname Bobrinsky.

I must say that due to numerous rumors and gossip, as well as the dissolute behavior of his wife, the children of Catherine 2 did not cause any warm feelings in Peter 3. The man clearly doubted his biological paternity.

Needless to say, the future empress categorically rejected all the accusations made by her husband against her. Hiding from the attacks of Peter 3, Catherine preferred to spend most of her time in her boudoir. Relations with her husband spoiled to the extreme led to the fact that she seriously began to fear for her life. She was afraid that, having come to power, Peter 3 would take revenge on her, so she began to look for reliable allies at court.

Accession to the throne

After the death of his mother, Peter 3 ruled the state for only 6 months. For a long time he was spoken of as an ignorant and feeble-minded ruler with many vices. But who created such an image for him? Recently, historians are more and more inclined to think that such an unsightly image was created by memoirs written by the organizers of the coup themselves - Catherine 2 and E. R. Dashkova.

The fact is that her husband's attitude towards her was not just bad, it was clearly hostile. Therefore, the threat of exile or even arrest looming over her served as an impetus for preparing a conspiracy against Peter 3. The Orlov brothers, K. G. Razumovsky, N. I. Panin, E. R. Dashkova and others helped her organize the rebellion. On July 9, 1762, Peter 3 was overthrown, and a new empress, Catherine 2, came to power. The deposed monarch was almost immediately taken to Ropsha (30 miles from St. Petersburg). He was accompanied by a guard of guards under the command of

As you know, the history of Catherine 2 and, in particular, the one arranged by her are full of riddles that excite the minds of most researchers to this day. For example, the cause of the death of Peter 3 has not yet been precisely established 8 days after his overthrow. According to the official version, he died from a whole bunch of diseases caused by prolonged alcohol use.

Until recently, it was believed that Peter 3 died a violent death at the hands of Alexei Orlov. The proof of this was a certain letter written by the murderer and sent to Catherine from Ropsha. The original of this document has not been preserved, but there was only a copy allegedly taken by F. V. Rostopchin. Therefore, there is no direct evidence of the assassination of the emperor yet.

Foreign policy

It must be said that Catherine the Great shared the views of Peter the Great to a large extent that Russia on the world stage should take a leading position in all areas, while pursuing an offensive and even to some extent aggressive policy. Evidence of this can serve as a break in the alliance treaty with Prussia, previously concluded by her husband Peter 3. She took this decisive step almost immediately, as soon as she ascended the throne.

The foreign policy of Catherine II was based on the fact that she everywhere tried to elevate her proteges to the throne. It was thanks to her that Duke E. I. Biron returned to the throne of Courland, and in 1763 her protégé, Stanislav August Poniatowski, began to rule in Poland. Such actions led to the fact that Austria began to fear an excessive increase in the influence of the northern state. Its representatives immediately began to incite Russia's old enemy - Turkey - to start a war against her. And Austria still got her way.

We can say that the Russian-Turkish war, which lasted 6 years (from 1768 to 1774), was successful for the Russian Empire. Despite this, the internal political situation that developed not in the best way inside the country forced Catherine 2 to seek peace. As a result, she had to restore former allied relations with Austria. And a compromise between the two countries was reached. Poland became its victim, part of whose territory in 1772 was divided between three states: Russia, Austria and Prussia.

The annexation of lands and the new Russian doctrine

The signing of the Kyuchuk-Kaynarji peace treaty with Turkey ensured the independence of Crimea, which was beneficial for the Russian state. In subsequent years, there was an increase in imperial influence not only on this peninsula, but also in the Caucasus. The result of this policy was the incorporation of Crimea into Russia in 1782. Soon the Treaty of St. George was signed with the king of Kartli-Kakheti, Heraclius 2, which provided for the presence of Russian troops on the territory of Georgia. Subsequently, these lands were also annexed to Russia.

Catherine 2, whose biography was inextricably linked with the history of the country, from the second half of the 70s of the 18th century, together with the then government, began to form a completely new foreign policy position - the so-called Greek project. Its ultimate goal was the restoration of the Greek, or Byzantine Empire. Constantinople was to become its capital, and its ruler was the grandson of Catherine II, Pavlovich.

By the end of the 70s, the foreign policy of Catherine II returned the country to its former international prestige, which was further strengthened after Russia acted as an intermediary at the Teschen Congress between Prussia and Austria. In 1787, the Empress, accompanied by the Polish king and the Austrian monarch, accompanied by her courtiers and foreign diplomats, made a long journey to the Crimean peninsula. This grandiose event demonstrated the full military power of the Russian Empire.

Domestic politics

Most of the reforms and transformations that were carried out in Russia were as controversial as Catherine II herself. The years of her reign were marked by the maximum enslavement of the peasantry, as well as the deprivation of even the most minimal rights. It was under her that a decree appeared on the prohibition of filing a complaint against the arbitrariness of landlords. In addition, corruption flourished among the highest state apparatus and officials, and the empress herself served as an example for them, who generously presented both relatives and a large army of her admirers.

What was she like

The personal qualities of Catherine 2 were described by her in her own memoirs. In addition, research by historians, based on numerous documents, suggests that she was a subtle psychologist who was well versed in people. The proof of this is the fact that she selected only talented and bright people as her assistants. Therefore, her era was marked by the appearance of a whole cohort of brilliant commanders and statesmen, poets and writers, artists and musicians.

In dealing with subordinates, Catherine 2 was usually tactful, restrained and patient. According to her, she always carefully listened to her interlocutor, while catching every sensible thought, and then used it for good. Under her, in fact, not a single noisy resignation took place, she did not exile any of the nobles, and even more so did not execute. No wonder her reign is called the "golden age" of the heyday of the Russian nobility.

Catherine 2, whose biography and personality are full of contradictions, at the same time was quite conceited and greatly valued the power she had won. In order to keep her in her hands, she was willing to compromise even at the expense of her own convictions.

Personal life

Portraits of the Empress, painted in her youth, indicate that she had a rather pleasant appearance. Therefore, it is not surprising that the numerous amorous amusements of Catherine 2 entered history. In truth, she could well remarry, but in this case her title, position, and most importantly, the fullness of power, would be jeopardized.

According to the prevailing opinion of most historians, Catherine the Great changed about twenty lovers in her entire life. Very often she presented them with a variety of valuable gifts, generously distributed honors and titles, and all this so that they would be favorable to her.

Board results

It must be said that historians do not undertake to unambiguously evaluate all the events that took place in the Catherine era, since at that time despotism and enlightenment went side by side hand in hand and were inextricably linked. During the years of her reign, there was everything: the development of education, culture and science, the significant strengthening of Russian statehood in the international arena, the development of trade relations and diplomacy. But, as with any ruler, it was not without oppression of the people, who suffered numerous hardships. Such an internal policy could not but cause another popular unrest, which grew into a powerful and full-scale uprising led by Yemelyan Pugachev.

Conclusion

In the 1860s, an idea appeared: to erect a monument to Catherine II in St. Petersburg in honor of her 100th anniversary of her accession to the throne. Its construction lasted 11 years, and the opening took place in 1873 on Alexandria Square. This is the most famous monument to the Empress. During the years of Soviet power, 5 of its monuments were lost. After 2000, several monuments were opened both in Russia and abroad: 2 - in Ukraine and 1 - in Transnistria. In addition, in 2010, a statue appeared in Zerbst (Germany), but not to Empress Catherine 2, but to Sophia Frederick August, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst.