Catherine the Great, Tsarina of Russia (1762-1796)

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Catherine the Great, Tsarina of Russia(1762-1796)
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She was born a German, yet married Tsarina
Elizabeths nephew Peter, who was heir to the
throne.
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At the time of her death Elizabeth was at war
with Prussia (Seven Years War). When Elizabeth
died, Peter made peace with whom?
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Yes, Frederick the Great.
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Peter was assassinated within six months, and in
a military coup, Catherine took the throne.
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As a young girl and the rest of her life, she
devoured books. Learning helped her to escape
the palace intrigues of the Peters aunt, Tsarina
Elizabeth.
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As empress, she corresponded with Voltaire, and
invited Diderot to visit her in St. Petersburg.
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She began as an enlightened rulerbut had to put
away those ideas when faced with revolts by
different groups in her vast empire.
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The Old Believers influenced Pugachevs rebellion.
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Pugachev , a Cossack, proclaimed himself the true
tsar. He said he was really Peter III,
Catherines deceased husband.
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This imposter promised that he would free the
serfs, abolish taxes, and forced military
conscription (draft)
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Tens of thousands joined his forces
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They were at first successful, but eventually
Pugachev was captured.
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He was brought to Moscow in an iron cage.
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He was drawn and quartered, though Catherine
ordered that he not be tortured during the trial.
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Pugachevs rebellion was the most violent peasant
uprising in Russian history.
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Catherine responded by enforcing serfdom.
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As a builder of Russias borders, Catherine was
more successful.

• She gained an important port on the Black sea,
  which became Odessa.

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She also participated in the partition of Poland.