Catherine the Great Flashcards
What was Catherine the Great’s birth name?
Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst.
When did Catherine the Great rule Russia?
From 1762 to 1796.
How did Catherine the Great come to power?
She staged a coup to overthrow her husband, Peter III, in 1762.
Which territories did Catherine the Great expand Russia into?
Parts of Poland, Crimea, and lands along the Black Sea.
Which intellectual movement influenced Catherine the Great?
The Enlightenment.
Who were some Enlightenment thinkers Catherine corresponded with?
Voltaire and Diderot.
What was the major peasant uprising during Catherine’s reign?
Pugachev’s Rebellion (1773–1775).
How did Catherine the Great’s reign influence Russia’s cultural development?
She promoted Western European culture, arts, and education, leading to a cultural renaissance.
What were some of Catherine’s legal reforms?
She attempted to codify Russian law and reformed government institutions, though many were incomplete.
What was Catherine’s approach to serfdom?
She strengthened the power of the nobility over the serfs, especially after Pugachev’s Rebellion.
What significant historical event involved the partition of Poland?
The Partitions of Poland in 1772, 1793, and 1795, where Poland was divided among Russia, Prussia, and Austria.
How did Catherine the Great influence Russia’s geopolitical status?
Her territorial expansion and reforms helped Russia become a dominant European power.
What major cultural institution began with Catherine the Great’s art collection?
The Hermitage Museum.
How is Catherine the Great remembered today?
As one of Russia’s most influential rulers, known for territorial expansion, cultural development, and Westernization.
What was one of Catherine’s personal interests that contributed to her reputation?
She was passionate about literature and corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers.
