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Daughter of Christian August, the Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, and Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp.
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When Catherine was 16 years old, she was married to Peter the prospective tsar of Holstein-Gottorp.
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Empress Elizabeth died December 25, 1761. Peter (husband) was the new Emperor and Catherine became the new empress.
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Had her husband Peter arrested and removed from power. Declared herself as the sole ruler of Russia (Catherine II).
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Died of a stroke, known today as a key figure in the development of turning Russia into a modern civilization.
