Just Fike. How a poor German provincial became Catherine the Great. How Empress Catherine became the great Fike full name
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. 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 christened 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? AT recent times historians are increasingly 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 Russian Empire. Despite this, the current in the best way the domestic political situation within 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 provided a favorable Russian state Crimean independence. 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 landowners. 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 unequivocally assess all the events that took place in Catherine's era, because 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.
Portrait of Catherine II, F. S. Rokotov
- Years of life: May 2 (April 21), 1729 - November 17 (6), 1796
- Years of government: July 9 (June 28), 1762 - November 17 (6), 1796
- Father and mother: Christian-August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Johanna-Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp.
- Spouse: .
- Children: Pavel (Pavel I), Anna, Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky.
Catherine II ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796. She was born on April 21 (May 2 according to the new calendar), 1729 in Prussia in the city of Stettin (currently it is called Szczecin and is part of Poland).
Catherine II Alekseevna: childhood and adolescence
At birth, she was called Sophia Frederick August of Anhalt-Zerbst. Her father was Prince Christian-August of Anhalt-Zerbst, who was in the service of the King of Prussia. And his mother, Johanna Elizabeth, was a cousin of Peter III.
Sophia was homeschooled and taught dance, foreign languages, history, geography, theology, etc. From childhood, she was distinguished by perseverance, curiosity, independence and loved outdoor and active games. Catherine from an early age was distinguished by a strong character.
Catherine the Great in Russia
In 1744, Elizaveta Petrovna invited Sophia and her mother to Russia. Sophia immediately began to diligently study the language, traditions and customs of her new homeland. She even worked at night. On June 28, Sophia converted to Christianity and received a new name - Ekaterina Alekseevna.
From the very beginning, the marriage of Catherine and Peter was not successful. At first, he was not at all interested in his wife, he even declared that he had another. Catherine, on the other hand, continued to actively engage in self-education: she studied the works of French enlighteners, jurisprudence, economics and history. Obviously, all this significantly influenced Catherine's worldview and her policy: she was a supporter of the ideas of the Enlightenment. She also paid great attention to the study of the traditions and customs of the Russian people. Catherine's pastimes were hunting, dancing and horseback riding.
The lack of relations between the spouses led to the fact that Catherine had lovers. At the beginning of 1750, she began an affair with an officer of the guard, Saltykov S.V. But despite the cold relationship between the spouses and their infidelity, Empress Elizabeth was unhappy with the lack of heirs.
Catherine had two unsuccessful pregnancies, but on September 20, 1754, she gave birth to a son, Pavel. There was an opinion that Saltykov was his real father, but evidence of these rumors was not presented. After the birth of the heir, Empress Elizabeth ordered to immediately take him away, his mother was not allowed to engage in his upbringing. Catherine saw Pavel for the first time only when he was over a month old.
After these events, the relationship between Peter and Catherine finally deteriorated, and he stopped hiding his mistresses. Catherine had a new affair with Stanisław Poniatowski, who later became King of Poland.
December 9, 1757 Anna was born - the second child of Catherine. Peter was dissatisfied, because. suspected that he was not the father. The girl did not live long - only two years.
During this period, the position of Catherine II became rather precarious. It was caused not only by the lack of marital relations, but also by the fact that Catherine corresponded with her close friend, the English ambassador Williams. He repeatedly provided loans to her in exchange for information relating to political issues. Catherine promised him that in the future she would conclude a friendly alliance between Russia and England.
Elizaveta Petrovna was ill, and Catherine was preparing a plot against her husband so that the throne would go to her, and not to him. Catherine's supporters were Apraksin, Bestuzhev. But Elizabeth found out about this betrayal and arrested them, later Catherine had to look for new allies, which were Orlov G.G., Panin N.I., Dashkova E.R., Razumovsky K.G. etc.
On December 25, 1761, she died, and Peter III ascended the throne. His relationship with his wife worsened even more: he began to live with his mistress Elizaveta Vorontsova, and settled his wife on the other side of the Winter Palace. During these events, Catherine had love relationship with Grigory Orlov, from whom in 1762 she gave birth to a son, Alexei Bobrinsky. Of course, she had to hide the pregnancy, the birth also took place in secret, because at that moment she hardly saw her husband.
Peter's actions, both in external and in domestic politics caused dissatisfaction. He concluded an agreement with Prussia and returned part of the land to her, despite the fact that Russia won a number of battles of the Seven Years' War. In addition, he planned to oppose Denmark together with Prussia. In addition, Peter III was going to abolish church land holdings, making them secular property, and change church rites. In parallel with this, Catherine's supporters persuaded the officers to their side.
Peter's actions led to the fact that they began to consider him unworthy to govern the state, he looked ignorant, not respecting traditions, Catherine, who planned to stage a coup, looked favorably against his background.
Catherine II the Great: reign. The essence of politics
On June 28, 1762, Catherine the Great arrived in St. Petersburg, where the Izmailovsky regiments swore allegiance to her. At this time, Peter III was in Oranienbaum. Upon learning of the coup, he proposed negotiations, which were immediately rejected, so he was forced to abdicate. Catherine II became the head of state. But Peter did not give up trying to return the throne, on July 17, 1762 he died.
Catherine, having become empress, issued a manifesto in which she substantiated the overthrow of Peter because of the conclusion of peace with Prussia and an attempt to carry out church reform. The son of Peter Pavel should become the emperor, but the justification for the transition to power of Catherine was the desire of the entire Russian people.
The reign of Catherine II is called the "golden age" of the Russian Empire. She knew how to select assistants well and was not afraid to surround herself with bright people; it was during her reign that many famous statesmen and creative people appeared.
In her policy, Catherine the Great acted smoothly, she reformed the Senate, turned church lands into secular property, and made changes to the administrative and judicial spheres.
She believed that it was important to educate the people she managed. It was during the reign of Catherine II that new educational institutions were opened, for the first time special for women, free printing houses were created, the Hermitage and the Public Library were opened. She loved writing, during her life she wrote quite a few comedies, fairy tales, fables and even librettos for operas.
Catherine II was categorically against serfdom, but she did not dare to abolish it, because. she understood that as a result she would lose the support of the nobility, and perhaps another coup would come. In addition, the peasants were not educated and were not yet ready to live freely.
Concerning foreign policy, Catherine the Great believed, like that, that you need to take an active position and act. First of all, she broke the agreement with Prussia, which Peter III concluded. Catherine II ensured that the Polish throne was occupied by her henchman Stanislav August Poniatowski. Austria and Prussia offered Russia to divide the lands of the Commonwealth, in case of disagreement they threatened war. As a result, after three partitions, Russia received part of Belarus, Lithuanian provinces and Ukrainian lands.
From 1768 to 1792 there were Russian-Turkish wars, the result of which was the expansion of the territory of Russia at the expense of the lands of Crimea, North Caucasus and the Black Sea. Relations with both Sweden and Prussia also normalized.
Catherine's novels with each were short-lived: she lived with them for several years, after which she parted. But she did not disgrace any of them, she awarded everyone with titles, good positions and money. It was under Catherine II that favoritism peaked.
Catherine II the Great: death
November 17 (November 6 according to the old calendar) Catherine II died. She was buried together with her husband Peter III (his ashes were transferred from the Winter Palace) in the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
The significance of Catherine II for Russian history is so important that she can be compared with Peter I, nicknamed the Great. The accession of new lands to the empire, the expansion of the strategic and economic capabilities of the state, impressive military victories achieved by skill, but not by numbers at sea and on land, new cities that have become outposts of Russia in the south - this is just a short and incomplete list of the achievements of this outstanding ruler. But it is enough to understand why Catherine 2 was called the Great.
Decisiveness, manifested in the most severe moments, the ability to take risks and even to commit a crime, if necessary, to achieve a serious goal - these qualities, turned to the benefit of Russia, were part of her character.
The biography of Catherine the Great began in 1729. The family from which Frederica came was noble, but not rich. And Fike, as she was called at home, would have been one of the many European noblewomen whose fates have sunk into oblivion due to their mediocrity, if not in Russia. In 1741, she came to power and she was the aunt of Peter Holstein, the future Emperor Peter III, the grandson of the betrothed Frederica.
They were destined to get married, although they did not feel sympathy for each other. Neither the groom nor the bride shone with external beauty.
It was acquired by the future empress after the rite of Orthodox baptism. The German Frederika not only changed her religious confession, she sincerely wanted to become Russian, and she succeeded. She learned the language to perfection, although until her last days she spoke with a slight accent.
There are several versions of the answer to the question: "Why was Catherine 2 called the Great even when she did not fully prove herself as a statesman?"
Unsuccessful family life, especially her intimate side, forced both spouses to seek pleasure on the side. The aristocrat Saltykov, then the gentry Poniatowski, became Catherine's lovers with the tacit permission of her husband, who granted his wife freedom, without depriving her, however, of herself. Then it was the turn of Orlov, a brave and daring man.
In 1761, Empress Elizabeth died, and the question arose of who would rule Russia. Peter III was by no means that infantile and narrow-minded teenage man, as he was described in numerous works of art. Having mastered the science government controlled, he could well be king, at least in such a calm country as the empire was in the Elizabethan era. However, one of the reasons why Catherine 2 was called the Great was precisely that she was not satisfied with the situation in which everything was going according to the thumb. An idea of a conspiracy ripened in her head, as a result of which Peter III abdicated the throne, and was later killed.
The iron grip of the empress allowed her to crush hard Pugachev rebellion, win the war with Turkey, resolve the Polish issue, conclude foreign policy alliances beneficial for the country and deal with enemies.
The Golden Age is the period when Catherine the Great ruled Russia. The biography of the individual and the history of the country are intertwined and form a single whole.
The expansion of the empire's borders to the south, the accession to it of fertile lands and harbors favorable for the creation of ports ensured foreign trade turnover and food abundance. The victory of Ushakov's squadron in the Chesme Bay, the capture of the Crimean peninsula, Bessarabia, the defeat of the Turks at Rymnik, the foundation of such cities as Odessa, Kherson, Nikolaev, Ovidiopol and other outposts of Russia on the southern borders - all these facts eloquently explain why Catherine 2 was called the Great.
Ekaterina Alekseevna Romanova (Catherine II the Great)
Sophia Augusta Frederica, Princess, Duchess of Anhalt-Zerb.
Years of life: 04/21/1729 - 11/6/1796
Russian Empress (1762 - 1796)
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
AT late XIX century published collected works 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.
A foreigner by birth, she sincerely loved Russia and cared about the welfare of her subjects. Having taken the throne through a palace coup, the wife of Peter III tried to bring Russian society to life. best ideas European Enlightenment. At the same time, Catherine opposed the beginning of the Great French Revolution(1789-1799), outraged by the execution of the French king Louis XVI of Bourbon (January 21, 1793) and prejudging Russia's participation in the anti-French coalition of European states in early XIX in.
Catherine II Alekseevna (nee Sophia Augusta Frederick, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst) was born on May 2, 1729 in the German city of Stettin (modern territory of Poland), and died on November 17, 1796 in St. Petersburg.
The daughter of Prince Christian-August of Anhalt-Zerbst, who was in the Prussian service, and Princess Johanna-Elisabeth (nee Princess of Holstein-Gottorp) was related to the royal houses of Sweden, Prussia and England. She received a home education, in the course of which, in addition to dancing and foreign languages also included the foundations of history, geography and theology.
In 1744, together with her mother, she was invited to Russia by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, and baptized according to Orthodox tradition under the name of Ekaterina Alekseevna. Soon her engagement to Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich (the future Emperor Peter III) was announced, and in 1745 they were married.
Catherine understood that the court loved Elizabeth, did not accept many of the oddities of the heir to the throne, and, perhaps, after the death of Elizabeth, it was she who, with the support of the court, would ascend the Russian throne. Catherine studied the works of the French Enlightenment, as well as jurisprudence, which had a significant impact on her worldview. In addition, she made as much effort as possible to study and, perhaps, understand the history and traditions of the Russian state. Because of her desire to know everything Russian, Catherine won the love of not only the court, but the whole of St. Petersburg.
After the death of Elizaveta Petrovna, Catherine's relationship with her husband, never characterized by warmth and understanding, continued to deteriorate, taking on clearly hostile forms. Fearing arrest, Catherine, with the support of the Orlov brothers, N.I. Panin, K.G. Razumovsky, E.R. Dashkova on the night of June 28, 1762, when the emperor was in Oranienbaum, committed palace coup. Peter III was exiled to Ropsha, where he soon died under mysterious circumstances.
Starting her reign, Catherine tried to implement the ideas of the Enlightenment and arrange the state in accordance with the ideals of this most powerful European intellectual movement. Almost from the first days of her reign, she has been actively involved in public affairs, proposing reforms that are significant for society. On her initiative, in 1763, the Senate was reformed, which significantly increased the efficiency of its work. Wishing to strengthen the dependence of the church on the state, and to provide additional land resources to the nobility, who supported the policy of reforming society, Catherine secularized church lands (1754). The unification of the administration of the territories of the Russian Empire began, and the hetmanship in Ukraine was abolished.
The champion of the Enlightenment, Catherine, creates a number of new educational institutions, including for women (Smolny Institute, Catherine School).
In 1767, the empress convened a commission, which included representatives of all segments of the population, including peasants (except serfs), to draw up a new code - a set of laws. In order to guide the work of the Legislative Commission, Catherine wrote the "Instruction", the text of which was based on the writings of enlightenment authors. This document, in fact, was the liberal program of her reign.
After the end of the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. and the suppression of the uprising under the leadership of Emelyan Pugachev, a new stage of Catherine's reforms began, when the empress independently developed the most important legislative acts and, using the unlimited power of her power, put them into practice.
In 1775, a manifesto was issued allowing the free opening of any industrial enterprises. In the same year, the provincial reform was carried out, which introduced a new administrative-territorial division of the country, which remained until 1917. In 1785, Catherine issued letters of commendation to the nobility and cities.
In the foreign policy arena, Catherine II continued to pursue an offensive policy in all directions - northern, western and southern. The results of foreign policy can be called the strengthening of Russia's influence on European affairs, the three sections of the Commonwealth, the strengthening of positions in the Baltic states, the annexation of Crimea, Georgia, and participation in countering the forces of revolutionary France.
The contribution of Catherine II to Russian history is so significant that many works of our culture keep her memory.
