The Life of Catherine the Great

Birth

May 2, 1729

Catherine the Great was originally born with the name Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst in Stettin, Prussia.

Catherine's Childhood Role Model

Feb 13, 1736

Catherine had a woman help teach her and raise her like a nanny; her name was Babette. She also acted as a mother figure and helped guide her through her childhood.

Catherine's Religion

Dec 6, 1743

Catherine's mother introduces and converts her to the Lutheran church, but was later converted to Russian Orthodoxy when she married Peter.

Gets Invited to Russia

Dec 6, 1744

Sophie (later known as Catherine) was invited to Russia by Empress Elizabeth. This was because Elizabeth was looking for a spouse for her heir to the Russian throne, Peter lll.

Marriage

Aug 21, 1745

Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst (later known as Catherine) was selected to marry Peter the third at the age of 14. Peter was heir to the Russian throne. His aunt, Empress Elizabeth, chose him to follow her. Sophie's name was then changed to Catherine after her and Peter were officially married. Their marriage was anything but happy. They hated each other and openly shamed one another.

Paul is Born

Sep 20, 1754

Catherine gave birth to her first son, Paul, after years of not having a child. Some believed that Peter was infertile and that was why they did not have a child sooner. Others beleived that Paul was from a different man because Catherine and Peter hated each other. Whether Paul was the son of Peter or some other noble man is unknown.

Empress Elizabeth Dies

Dec 25, 1761

Empress Elizabeth (Peter's aunt) died, making Peter the emperor of Russia and Catherine the empress of Russia.

Catherine Overthrows Peter III

Jul 9, 1762

While Peter rallied armies in St. Petersburg, Catherine took control of Russia and declared herself as the one and only ruler of Russia. This was not extremely hard for her to do because Russians hated Peter, but liked Catherine.

Peter III Dies

Jul 17, 1762

Peter stepped down from the throne, seeing as he had no other option. Eight days later, he was arrested and soon killed. It is said that Peter was killed by Catherine's new love interest, Grigory Orlov, but some say Catherine was completely behind the killing herself.

Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky

Dec 5, 1762

Alexei Grigorievic Bobrinsky was born to Catherine and Peter. Official date is unknown, but the year is certain. He married at a young age.

Creates a Commission

Jan 30, 1767

Catherine creates a commission to review and rewrite many Russian laws. This fit into her enlightenment as ruler.

Sends Troops to Poland

Dec 6, 1768

Catherine previously had love interests with the emperor of Poland. When Poland was experiencing uprisings and coupes, she sent an army to aide the emperor.

Catherine Leaves Power/Dies

Nov 17, 1796

Many rumors went around about how she died. Some said it was due to a horse accident, others claimed she died on the toilet, and some said she died in a closet. The truth however, is that one day while laying in bed, Catherine died of a stroke. It was unexpected and put an end to her rule.