Catherine the Great of Russia By s-oknibbs Period: Apr 21, 1729 to Nov 17, 1796 Catherine the Great of Russia May 2, 1729 Birth of Catherine the Great Aug 24, 1745 Married at age 16 to Grand Duke Peter Dec 25, 1761 Grand Duke Peter takes over the Throne Jun 28, 1762 Grand Duke Peter dies Sep 22, 1762 Catherine the Great is Crowned Queen Oct 20, 1764 Catherine begins working on Reforms Jul 8, 1773 Pugachevs Rebeliion Catherines new ideas caused an uprising among the surfs of Russia. Sep 25, 1786 Catherine carries out plans to expand the Russian education system Mar 16, 1787 The Sultan of Turkey declares war on Russia Nov 17, 1796 Death of Catherine the Great, age 67