What did Catherine II Catherine the Great do to bring enlightened reforms to Russia?

Catherine II, called Catherine the Great, reigned over Russia for 34 years—longer than any other female in Russian history. As empress, Catherine westernized Russia. She led her country into full participation in the political and cultural life of Europe. She championed the arts and reorganized the Russian law code.

How did Catherine the Great expand Russia?

During her reign she extended the Russian empire southwards and westwards, adding territories which included the Crimea, Belarus and Lithuania. Agreements with Prussia and Austria led to three partitions of Poland, in 1772, 1793, and 1795, extending Russia’s borders well into central Europe.

What were Catherine the Great’s goals for Russia?

Her goal was to rationalize and reform the administration of the Russian Empire. One of the most prosperous periods for Russia , Catherine undertook a wide range of internal political reforms, and waged two successful wars against the Ottoman Empire and extend the borders of Russia .

How was Joseph II enlightened?

The Enlightened Despot Joseph’s reforms included abolishing serfdom, ending press censorship and limiting the power of the Catholic Church. And with his Edict of Toleration, Joseph gave minority religions, such as Protestants, Greek Orthodox and Jews, the ability to live and worship more freely.

What were the reforms of Catherine the Great?

Catherine did not advocate democratic reforms but addressed some modernization trends, including dividing the country into provinces and districts, further increasing the power of the landed oligarchs, and issuing the Charter of the Towns, which distributed all people into six groups as a way to limit the power of …

Who helped Catherine the Great with the coup?

Grigory Orlov
Aided by her lover Grigory Orlov and his powerful family, she staged a coup just six months after her husband took the throne. The bloodless shift in power was so easily accomplished that Frederick the Great of Prussia later observed, “[Peter] allowed himself to be dethroned like a child being sent to bed.”

How did Catherine the Great treat the serfs?

A landowner could punish his serfs at his discretion and under Catherine the Great gained the ability to sentence his serfs to hard labor in Siberia, a punishment normally reserved for convicted criminals. The only thing a noble could not do to his serfs was to kill them. The life of a serf belonged to the state.

What was the role of the Holy Roman Emperor?

The emperor’s role was to enforce doctrine, root out heresy, and uphold ecclesiastical unity. Both the title and connection between Emperor and Church continued in the Eastern Roman Empire throughout the medieval period (in exile during 1204–1261).

How did Catherine the Great improve education in Russia?

She made many educational reforms especially through remodeling of the Cadet Corps 1766 which initiated many educational reforms. School then began to take children from a very young age and educate them until the age of 21.

What were Stalin’s main goals for the Soviet Union?

– The rapid industrialization of Russia was Stalin’s main goal. – Apart from keeping Stalin in power, he wanted the Soviet Union to become a developed nation in order to protect itself from military action. – Stalin worked tirelessly to bring the Soviet Union’s industrialization to fruition.

What is Catherine II best known for?

Catherine II, or Catherine the Great as she’s best known today, has earned her place in history as one of Russia’s best-remembered rulers and one of the world’s most influential queens. She was never even supposed to rule — that was supposed to be her husband, Emperor Peter III.

Why was the Catherinian Era called the Golden Age of Russia?

The period of Catherine the Great’s rule, the Catherinian Era, is often considered the Golden Age of the Russian Empire and the Russian nobility. The Manifesto on Freedom of the Nobility, issued during the short reign of Peter III and confirmed by Catherine, freed Russian nobles from compulsory military or state service.

Who was Princess Catherine of Prussia?

As noted by History, her birth name wasn’t even Catherine — she was christened Princess Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst. The young princess’ parents were impoverished Prussian royals, but what they lacked in wealth, they made up for in noble connections – her mother was especially ambitious to secure an advantageous marriage for her eldest daughter.

Was Catherine the Great’s reign ever questioned?

One of the most notable was in 1773, when a group led by former military officer Emelyan Pugachev questioned the validity of Catherine’s reign, on the grounds that Pugachev claimed he was, in fact, Peter III.