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As a child, Catherine was close with her governess, Babette Cardel. She taught her the French culture and language, along with proper manners. She would go on to study the Enlightenment, which influenced her decisions as a ruler.
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Catherine changed her name from Sophia and converted to Russian Orthodoxy.
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They had an unhappy marriage, and Peter III was ruling Russia at the time. Because her husband ignored her, she adapted to Russia by learning its language and customs. She also gained influential supporters.
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Paul was born, and he was heir to the throne.
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Peter III abdicated and was assassinated after Catherine had him arrested. She secured her position on the throne and was declared as the empress of Russia.
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Poniatowski was one of Catherine's former lovers. This influenced her to favor him to become the next king so Russia could have a friendly Poland .
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After her death from smallpox, Catherine decided to get vaccinated for the disease. She then ordered a description of smallpox to be published so others could protect themselves from smallpox.
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After the Great Pugachev Rebellion, Catherine started to realize that she depended on the nobles. This led to the Charter of Nobility.
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Catherine respected and loved him and shared her power with him.
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The ideas of the Enlightenment had led to revolution and the eventual beheading of King Louis XVI. Catherine felt that the ideas that she had supported had led to the death of King Louis XVI.
