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Catherine is born
Sophia August Frederika (Catherine) was born into royalty in Stettin, Prussia. Her parents were Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Princess Johanna Elizabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. -
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Early Childhood
Catherine spent most of her childhood with a governess named Babette. She was almost like a mother and taught her a lot of things. She read a lot about enlightenment philosophies and books that made her who she was when she ruled. -
Catherine's Marriage
Catherine married Peter III, previously known as Karl Ulrich. Peter was the nephew of Empress Elizabeth. The marriage was not a happy one because Catherine and Peter did not like each other. -
Catherine becomes ruler
Grigory Orlov, Catherine's previous lover, led the coup which overthrew Peter III. He installed Catherine empress of Russia, and for a few years, they co-ruled together, but Orlov's infidelities led to his fall in power, giving Catherine most of it. -
The Hermitage Museum
Catherine built the Hermitage Museum which was a major contribution to the arts of Russia. She began it by purchasing a painting collection from Berlin, and today there are over 2.7 million exhibits within it. -
The Instruction
Catherine noticed that Russia's laws were over one hundred years old and wanted to propose new laws. She created the Legislative Commission to change the old laws to the requirements of The Instruction. -
Small Pox Vaccines
Catherine cared about small pox and how it affected a large population of Russia. Dr. Thomas Dimsdale had created a vaccine, and Catherine tried the vaccine on herself to ensure that it works. It did, and she helped vaccinate millions of Russian citizens. -
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Pugachev's Rebellion
A revolt that was lead by Yemelyan Pugachev, proclaiming an end to Serdom. He was a threat to Catherine. The rebellion had support from many people, but in 1774, the revolt was crushed. This caused Catherine to give nobles absolute power over Serfs. Serfdom did not end, and Pugachev was executed in Moscow in 1775. -
Smolny Institute
The Smolny Institute was built for aristocratic women and girls. This was one of the more significant schools built by her which shows her encouragement and increase of education in Russia. -
Catherine's rule ends
Catherine the Great passed away from natural causes, ending her reign. She ruled for thirty-four years which is the longest a female ruler has ever ruled Russia for.
