Historical Figure
Catherine the Great
1729–1796
Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796
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Key Dates
Birth
1729 May 2, 1729 →Biography
Catherine II, commonly known as Catherine the Great, was the reigning Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796. She came to power after a coup d'etat against her husband, Peter III. Her long reign helped Russia thrive under a golden age during the Enlightenment. This renaissance led to the founding of many new cities, universities, and theatres, along with large-scale immigration from the rest of Europe and the recognition of Russia as one of the great powers of Europe.
Timeline
Catherine the Great becomes Empress of Russia following the coup against her husband, Peter III.
July 9 →More from the Enlightenment
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