History vs. Russia’s most infamous empress - Carolyn Harris

Key Concepts

• Catherine the Great: Empress of Russia, known for her ambitious rule, expansionist policies, and patronage of the arts and Enlightenment ideas, but also for her ruthlessness and suppression of dissent.
• Peter III: Husband of Catherine the Great, Emperor of Russia, known for his unpopularity, German sympathies, and short reign.
• Enlightenment Philosophy: An intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 18th century, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism.
• Enlightened Despots: A form of absolute monarchy or despotism inspired by the Enlightenment.
• Serfdom: A condition of servitude and bondage in which a tenant farmer is bound to a hereditary plot of land and to the will of his lord.
• Pugachev Rebellion: A major peasant revolt in Russia during the reign of Catherine the Great.
• Partitions of Poland: A series of three partitions in the late 18th century that eliminated the Polish state.

Catherine the Great's Rise to Power and Early Rule

Catherine the Great, born Princess Sophie Frederica Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst, was invited to the Russian court in 1744 by Empress Elizabeth. Her primary goal was to gain power through marriage to the Empress's nephew and heir, the future Peter III. She actively bribed courtiers and convinced Empress Elizabeth to bless their union, despite admitting to having no feelings for Peter. This political marriage was driven by strategic ambition rather than personal affection.

Peter III was described as ill-tempered and more aligned with German customs, making him an embarrassment at the Russian court. In contrast, Catherine dedicated herself to Russia, changing her name, converting to Russian Orthodoxy, and diligently learning the Russian language, even contracting pneumonia in the process.

Peter III's Reign and Overthrow

Upon Empress Elizabeth's death in 1762, Peter III became Emperor. His reign was immediately unpopular. Russia was engaged in the Seven Years' War with Prussia, but Peter, prioritizing his German homeland, abruptly switched sides, a move perceived as disloyalty by many Russians.

Catherine initiated a military coup, leading to Peter's deposition and subsequent murder just six months into his reign. While the direct involvement of Catherine in his death is speculative, she handed him over as a prisoner to her lover and his brother, who had clear motives for Peter's demise. Catherine's rule was supported by influential figures in the military, church, and nobility, partly due to her decisive actions against opposition.

Consolidation of Power and Suppression of Dissent

Catherine ensured her grip on power by dealing decisively with potential rivals. Empress Elizabeth's cousin, Ivan VI, who was next in line for the throne, was imprisoned for life. While Elizabeth had initially imprisoned Ivan, Catherine maintained this arrangement and issued a decree for his death if any rescue attempt was made, which ultimately led to his demise during a failed rescue.

Catherine's "Enlightened" Reforms and Policies

Catherine embraced Enlightenment philosophy, advocating for freedom of thought and socially beneficial policies. Her reforms included:

• Legal System: Making the legal system less punitive.
• Education: Opening schools for girls.
• Religious Equality: Guaranteeing religious equality.
• Healthcare: Commissioning new hospitals.
• Cultural Development: Promoting the arts and transforming Russia into a cultural center.

These measures were intended to improve the lives of the populace and reduce the likelihood of revolution. However, these "enlightened values" primarily benefited urban nobles. Catherine did not address the plight of serfs, fearing it would alienate the nobility. Her approach was characteristic of "enlightened despots," monarchs who believed they were qualified to determine the best ideology for their subjects.

Expansionism and Ruthlessness

Catherine's reign was also marked by significant territorial expansion and ruthless suppression of revolts:

• Partitions of Poland: She participated in three partitions of Poland, leading to its eventual dismemberment.
• Annexation of Crimea: Crimea was annexed to expand the Russian empire.
• Colonization of Alaska: She supported the colonization of Alaska and its Indigenous peoples.
• Pugachev Rebellion: She brutally suppressed the Pugachev Peasant Revolt, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of serfs. The leader, Pugachev, was publicly quartered and decapitated.

Later Reign and Legacy

Following the French Revolution in 1789, Catherine became increasingly paranoid about being overthrown. She began to associate the French Enlightenment with the collapse of the French monarchy and reversed some of her earlier progressive stances. This led to increased censorship of foreign books and limitations on free speech within the Russian court.

Despite her reactionary turn later in life, Catherine ensured a stable succession. Her grandson, Tsar Alexander I, successfully led Russia against Napoleon. Her son, Paul I, who reigned between Catherine and Alexander, inherited his father Peter III's ill temper and his brief reign also ended in assassination. Paul I enacted a law that made female succession practically impossible, and Russia has not had a female ruler since Catherine's death in 1796.

Conclusion

Catherine the Great employed a multifaceted approach to rule, utilizing strategic alliances, military strength, and Enlightenment ideals to transform Russia. However, a comprehensive understanding of her reign requires examining both the advancements made and the suffering endured by various segments of the population, particularly the serfs and Indigenous peoples. Her legacy is one of a powerful, ambitious, and often ruthless ruler who significantly shaped the course of Russian history.