MAp Of russia
Bring enlightenment and westernization to all of russia!
Catherine the great's Story
Catherine II, often called Catherine the Great, was born on April 21, 1729, in Stettin, Prussia. In 1744, a teenage Catherine traveled with her mother to Russia, she soon fell ill. When Catherine recovered, she moved forward with her relationship to Grand Duke Peter. The pair became engaged, and Catherine converted to the Russian Orthodox faith, despite her deeply Lutheran father's objections. Along with her new religion, she also received a new name, Yekaterina or Catherine. After Empress Elizabeth's death in December 25, 1761, Catherine's husband assumed the throne, becoming Peter III, while she received the title of Empress Consort. A few days after Peter's resignation, he was strangled while in the care of her co-conspirators at Ropsha, one of Peter's estates. The exact role Catherine played in her husband's death is unclear. Many think Catherine II played a great role in the killing of Peter. During Catherine's reign, Russia expanded its borders. She made substantial gains in Poland, where she had earlier placed her former lover, Polish count Stanislaus Poniatowski, on the country's throne. Russia's actions in Poland triggered a military conflict with Turkey. After having numerous victories in 1769 and 1770, Catherine showed the world that Russia was a mighty power. By 1796, Catherine had enjoyed several decades as Russia's absolute ruler. She died on November 17, 1796 and ruled until that date as well.
The Bronze Horseman
Catherine the Great loved her husband even after she "killed" him. In 1770, work began on a statue dedicated to Peter the III. The statue was called "The Bronze Horseman", and was not completed for 12 years. The stone that it rests on is called the "Thunder Stone". It is claimed to be the largest stone ever moved by humans, weighing in at a back-breaking 2,500,000 pounds.
Catherine the great's MONUMENT
This monument was built in 1873 because of all her efforts to improve life and education in Russia. She is dressed in her official gown. She is holding a scepter in her right hand and a olive branch in her left. She is surrounded by prominent people of her era.
Why should she be the most absolutist?
Why not? Who conspires against her husband just to become leader? Catherine the Great did! She also dedicated a monument to him after he was dead, as if to "cover up" his unusual death. She was a great ruler, and helped bring western ideas and customs to Russia. And besides, who else could command people to haul 2,500,000 pounds of granite to make a simple statue of Peter III? Catherine the Great was an awesome person, even the most absolutist!