The TV series “Catherine” was released, and in connection with this, there is a surge of interest in the controversial figures of Russian history, Emperor Peter III and his wife, who became Empress Catherine II. Therefore, I present a selection of facts about the life and reign of these monarchs of the Russian Empire.
Peter and Catherine: a joint portrait by G.K. Groot
Peter III (Peter Fedorovich, born Karl Peter Ulrich of Holstein-Gottorp) was a very extraordinary emperor. He did not know the Russian language, loved to play toy soldiers and wanted to baptize Russia according to the Protestant rite. His mysterious death led to the emergence of a whole galaxy of impostors.
Already from birth, Peter could lay claim to two imperial titles: Swedish and Russian. On his father's side he was the great-nephew of the king Charles XII, who himself was too busy with military campaigns to get married. Peter's maternal grandfather was main enemy Carla, Russian Emperor Peter I.
The boy, who was orphaned early, spent his childhood with his uncle, Bishop Adolf of Eitin, where he was instilled with hatred of Russia. He did not know Russian and was baptized according to Protestant custom. True, he also did not know any other languages besides his native German, and only spoke a little French.
Peter was supposed to take the Swedish throne, but the childless Empress Elizabeth remembered the son of her beloved sister Anna and declared him heir. The boy is brought to Russia to meet the imperial throne and death.
In fact, no one really needed the sickly young man: neither his aunt-empress, nor his teachers, nor, subsequently, his wife. Everyone was only interested in his origins; even the cherished words were added to the official title of the heir: “Grandson of Peter I.”
And the heir himself was interested in toys, primarily toy soldiers. Can we accuse him of being childish? When Peter was brought to St. Petersburg, he was only 13 years old! Dolls attracted the heir more than state affairs or a young bride.
True, his priorities do not change with age. He continued to play, but secretly. Ekaterina writes: “During the day, his toys were hidden in and under my bed. The Grand Duke went to bed first after dinner and, as soon as we were in bed, Kruse (the maid) locked the door with a key, and then Grand Duke I played until one or two in the morning.”
Over time, toys become larger and more dangerous. Peter is allowed to discharge a regiment of soldiers from Holstein, whom future emperor enthusiastically races around the parade ground. Meanwhile, his wife is learning Russian and studying French philosophers...
In 1745, the wedding of the heir Peter Fedorovich and Ekaterina Alekseevna, the future Catherine II, was magnificently celebrated in St. Petersburg. There was no love between the young spouses - they were too different in character and interests. The more intelligent and educated Catherine ridicules her husband in her memoirs: “he doesn’t read books, and if he does, it’s either a prayer book or descriptions of torture and executions.”
Letter from the Grand Duke to his wife. on the obverse lower left: le .. fevr./ 1746
Madam, this night I ask you not to inconvenience yourself by sleeping with me, since the time to deceive me has passed. After living apart for two weeks, the bed became too narrow. This afternoon. Your most unfortunate husband, whom you will never deign to call Peter.
February 1746, ink on paper
Peter’s marital duty was also not going smoothly, as evidenced by his letters, where he asks his wife not to share the bed with him, which has become “too narrow.” This is where the legend originates that the future Emperor Paul was not born from Peter III, but from one of the favorites of the loving Catherine.
However, despite the coldness in the relationship, Peter always trusted his wife. In difficult situations, he turned to her for help, and her tenacious mind found a way out of any troubles. That’s why Catherine received the ironic nickname “Mistress Help” from her husband.
But it was not only children's games that distracted Peter from his marital bed. In 1750, two girls were presented to the court: Elizaveta and Ekaterina Vorontsov. Ekaterina Vorontsova will be a faithful companion of her royal namesake, while Elizabeth will take the place of Peter III’s beloved.
The future emperor could take any court beauty as his favorite, but his choice fell, nevertheless, on this “fat and awkward” maid of honor. Is love evil? However, is it worth trusting the description left in the memoirs of a forgotten and abandoned wife?
The sharp-tongued Empress Elizaveta Petrovna found this love triangle very funny. She even nicknamed the good-natured but narrow-minded Vorontsova “Russian de Pompadour.”
It was love that became one of the reasons for the fall of Peter. At court they began to say that Peter was going, following the example of his ancestors, to send his wife to a monastery and marry Vorontsova. He allowed himself to insult and bully Catherine, who, apparently, tolerated all his whims, but in fact cherished plans for revenge and was looking for powerful allies.
During Seven Years' War, in which Russia took the side of Austria. Peter III openly sympathized with Prussia and personally with Frederick II, which did not add to the popularity of the young heir.
Antropov A.P. Peter III Fedorovich(Karl Peter Ulrich)
But he went even further: the heir handed over to his idol secret documents, information about the number and location of Russian troops! Upon learning of this, Elizabeth was furious, but she forgave her dim-witted nephew a lot for the sake of his mother, her beloved sister.
Why does the heir to the Russian throne so openly help Prussia? Like Catherine, Peter is looking for allies, and hopes to find one of them in the person of Frederick II. Chancellor Bestuzhev-Ryumin writes: “The Grand Duke was convinced that Frederick II loved him and spoke with great respect; therefore he thinks that as soon as he ascends the throne, then Prussian king will seek his friendship and will help him in everything.”
After the death of Empress Elizabeth, Peter III was proclaimed emperor, but was not officially crowned. He showed himself to be an energetic ruler, and during the six months of his reign he managed, despite general opinion, a lot to do. Assessments of his reign vary widely: Catherine and her supporters describe Peter as a weak-minded, ignorant martinet and Russophobe. Modern historians create a more objective image.
First of all, Peter made peace with Prussia on terms unfavorable for Russia. This caused discontent in army circles. But then his “Manifesto on the Liberty of the Nobility” gave the aristocracy enormous privileges. At the same time, he issued laws prohibiting the torture and killing of serfs, and stopped the persecution of Old Believers.
Peter III tried to please everyone, but in the end all attempts turned against him. The reason for the conspiracy against Peter was his absurd fantasies about the baptism of Rus' according to the Protestant model. The Guard, the main support and support of the Russian emperors, took the side of Catherine. In his palace in Orienbaum, Peter signed a renunciation.
Tombs of Peter III and Catherine II in the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
The head slabs of those buried bear the same date of burial (December 18, 1796), which gives the impression that Peter III and Catherine II lived together long years and died on the same day.
Peter's death is one big mystery. It was not for nothing that Emperor Paul compared himself to Hamlet: throughout the entire reign of Catherine II, the shadow of her deceased husband could not find peace. But was the empress guilty of the death of her husband?
By official version Peter III died of illness. He was no different good health, and the unrest associated with the coup and abdication could kill a stronger person. But the sudden and so quick death of Peter - a week after the overthrow - caused a lot of speculation. For example, there is a legend according to which the emperor’s killer was Catherine’s favorite Alexei Orlov.
The illegal overthrow and suspicious death of Peter gave rise to a whole galaxy of impostors. In our country alone, more than forty people tried to impersonate the emperor. The most famous of them was Emelyan Pugachev. Abroad, one of the false Peters even became the king of Montenegro. The last impostor was arrested in 1797, 35 years after the death of Peter, and only after that the shadow of the emperor finally found peace.
During his reign Catherine II Alekseevna the Great(nee Sophia Augusta Frederica of Anhalt-Zerbst) from 1762 to 1796 the empire's possessions expanded significantly. Of the 50 provinces, 11 were acquired during her reign. The amount of government revenue increased from 16 to 68 million rubles. 144 new cities were built (more than 4 cities per year throughout the reign). The army and the number of ships have almost doubled Russian fleet increased from 20 to 67 battleships, not counting other ships. The army and navy won 78 brilliant victories, strengthening the international authority of Russia.
Anna Rosina de Gasc (née Lisiewski) Princess Sophia Augusta Friederike, future Catherine II 1742
Access to Chernoy has been won and Sea of Azov, annexed Crimea, Ukraine (except for the Lvov region), Belarus, Eastern Poland, Kabarda. The annexation of Georgia to Russia began. Moreover, during her reign, only one execution was carried out - of the leader peasant uprising Emelyan Pugacheva.
Catherine II on the balcony Winter Palace, greeted by the guards and people on the day of the coup on June 28, 1762
The Empress's daily routine was far from the ordinary people's idea of royal life. Her day was scheduled by the hour, and its routine remained unchanged throughout her reign. Only the time of sleep changed: if in mature years Catherine got up at 5, then closer to old age - at 6, and towards the end of her life at 7 o'clock in the morning. After breakfast, the Empress received high-ranking officials and secretaries of state. The days and hours of reception for each official were constant. The working day ended at four o'clock, and it was time to rest. Hours of work and rest, breakfast, lunch and dinner were also constant. At 10 or 11 pm Catherine finished the day and went to bed.
Every day, 90 rubles were spent on food for the Empress (for comparison: a soldier’s salary during the reign of Catherine was only 7 rubles a year). The favorite dish was boiled beef with pickles, and currant juice was consumed as a drink. For dessert, preference was given to apples and cherries.
After lunch, the Empress began to do needlework, and Ivan Ivanovich Betskoy read aloud to her at this time. Ekaterina “masterfully sewed on canvas” and knitted. Having finished reading, she went to the Hermitage, where she sharpened bone, wood, amber, engraved, and played billiards.
Artist Ilyas Faizullin. Visit of Catherine II to Kazan
Catherine was indifferent to fashion. She didn’t notice her, and sometimes quite deliberately ignored her. IN weekdays the empress wore a simple dress and did not wear jewelry.
By her own admission, she did not have a creative mind, but she wrote plays, and even sent some of them to Voltaire for “review.”
Catherine came up with a special suit for the six-month-old Tsarevich Alexander, the pattern of which was asked from her for her own children by the Prussian prince and the Swedish king. And for her beloved subjects, the empress came up with the cut of a Russian dress, which they were forced to wear at her court.
Portrait of Alexander Pavlovich, Jean Louis Veil
People who knew Catherine closely note her attractive appearance not only in her youth, but also in her mature years, her exceptionally friendly appearance, and ease of manner. Baroness Elizabeth Dimmesdale, who was first introduced to her along with her husband in Tsarskoe Selo at the end of August 1781, described Catherine as: “a very attractive woman with lovely expressive eyes and an intelligent look.”
Catherine was aware that men liked her and she herself was not indifferent to their beauty and masculinity. “I received from nature great sensitivity and appearance, if not beautiful, then at least attractive. I liked it the first time and did not use any art or embellishment for this.”
The Empress was quick-tempered, but knew how to control herself, and never made decisions in a fit of anger. She was very polite even with the servants, no one heard from her harsh words, she did not order, but asked to carry out her will. Her rule, according to Count Segur, was “to praise out loud and scold quietly.”
Rules hung on the walls of the ballrooms under Catherine II: it was forbidden to stand in front of the empress, even if she approached the guest and spoke to him while standing. It was forbidden to be in a gloomy mood and insult each other.” And on the shield at the entrance to the Hermitage there was an inscription: “The mistress of these places does not tolerate coercion.”
Catherine II and Potemkin
Thomas Dimmesdale English doctor was called from London to introduce vaccinations against smallpox. Knowing about the resistance of society to innovation, Empress Catherine II decided to file personal example and became one of Dimmesdale's first patients. In 1768, an Englishman inoculated her and Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich with smallpox. The recovery of the empress and her son became significant event in the life of the Russian court.
The Empress was a heavy smoker. The cunning Catherine, not wanting her snow-white gloves to become saturated with a yellow nicotine coating, ordered the tip of each cigar to be wrapped in a ribbon of expensive silk.
The Empress read and wrote in German, French and Russian, but made many mistakes. Catherine was aware of this and once admitted to one of her secretaries that “I could only learn Russian from books without a teacher,” since “Aunt Elizaveta Petrovna told my chamberlain: it’s enough to teach her, she’s already smart.” As a result of this, she made four mistakes in a word from three letters: instead of “yet” she wrote “ischo”.
Johann Baptist the Elder Lampi, 1793. Portrait of Empress Catherine II, 1793
Long before her death, Catherine composed an epitaph for her future tombstone: “Here lies Catherine the Second. She arrived in Russia in 1744 to marry Peter III. At the age of fourteen, she made a threefold decision: to please her husband, Elizabeth and the people. She left no stone unturned to achieve success in this regard. Eighteen years of boredom and loneliness prompted her to read many books. Climbing Russian throne, she made every effort to give her subjects happiness, freedom and material well-being. She easily forgave and did not hate anyone. She was forgiving, loved life, had a cheerful disposition, was a true Republican in her convictions and had a kind heart. She had friends. The work was easy for her. She liked social entertainment and the arts."
The domestic policy of Catherine II was “pro-noble”
Along with the strengthening of the autocracy, the position of the serfs worsened, and the privileges of the nobility grew. Catherine II took over legislative activity, and the transformed Senate now only controlled the activities state apparatus and the highest court. The Statutory Commission was convened, whose task was to find out people's needs to carry out comprehensive reforms. However, it was soon disbanded. Historians believe that Catherine II convened it only to promote her own person.
Under Catherine II, 216 new cities appeared
The point was not at all that large settlements. During Provincial reform has changed Administrative division: Of the three links - province, province and district - only the province and district remained. The city, the center of the counties, was erected into a separate unit. And since there were too few cities, Catherine II did administrative centers many large rural settlements. So more than two hundred new cities appeared, and the population began to be called bourgeois and merchants. Historians believe that the reason for this reform was the Peasant War, which revealed the weakness of local authorities.
To meet Catherine in Crimea, a “company of Amazons” was created
Once, in a conversation with the Empress, Prince Potemkin praised the courage of the Greeks and their wives in the fight against the Turks and greatly interested Catherine II with his story. Therefore, when the empress went on a trip to the south of Russia, she was met in Crimea by the Amazonian company, consisting of one hundred noble wives and daughters of Balaklava Greeks. They were commanded by 19-year-old Elena Sarandova, the wife of Captain Sarandov. The girls were dressed in velvet crimson skirts with fringes and green jackets trimmed with gold braid. On their heads were white turbans with gilded spangles and ostrich feathers. Each Amazon was given three cartridges for her gun. The Roman Emperor, who was traveling with the Empress, was so delighted that he kissed Helen on the lips. Catherine II was also very pleased with the Amazons. Sarandova even received a diamond ring from the empress along with royal favor. When Catherine II left Crimea, the Amazon Company was disbanded.
Under Catherine II, paper money began to be issued for the first time
They were called banknotes. There were other changes in the economy as well. A state bank appeared, where money could be deposited, and loan offices, which contributed to the development and revitalization of trade. Exports from Russia of sailing cloth, cast iron and iron, timber, hemp, bristles and bread have increased. Russia's role in the global economy has become more significant. That's just Industrial Revolution unfolding in the West, the empress did not understand; she believed that the “colosses” were harming the state since they were reducing the number of workers. Therefore, in plants and factories they worked in the old fashioned way, with “patriarchal” methods, without the use of new technologies. Therefore, a crisis was gradually brewing in some industries. Moreover, the treasury was constantly short of money (when Catherine II came to power, there was already a financial deficit). So paper money, which was played at first positive role, soon depreciated by 1.5 times. For the first time in history, Russia had an external debt of 33 million rubles.
As a reward for their service, the nobles asked to be “registered as Germans”
The bonuses of such a “reward” were in the privileges that German settlers enjoyed - they had the most bonuses. In general, during the reign of Catherine II, a lot of new lands became part of the country, and with them 7 million new subjects. Each nationality had its own taxes and benefits. Certain lands were allocated for settlers, and foreigners were allowed to choose provinces. Soon the first settlements began to appear, and in 1766, a couple of years after the appearance of manifestos about settlers, the influx of foreigners became so great that it was necessary to temporarily suspend the reception of new settlers in order to settle those who had already arrived.
Interesting Facts You will learn about the life and reign of Catherine 2 in this article.
During the reign of Catherine the Great from 1762 to 1796, the empire's possessions expanded significantly. Of the 50 provinces, 11 were acquired during her reign. The amount of government revenue increased from 16 to 68 million rubles. 144 new cities were built (more than 4 cities per year throughout the reign). The army almost doubled, the number of ships in the Russian fleet increased from 20 to 67 battleships, not counting other ships. The army and navy won 78 brilliant victories that strengthened Russia's international authority.
Daily 90 rubles were spent on food for the Empress(for comparison: a soldier’s salary during the reign of Catherine was only 7 rubles a year). The favorite dish was boiled beef with pickles, and currant juice was consumed as a drink. For dessert, preference was given to apples and cherries.
To its appearance in Russiapaper money(notes) are obliged to Catherine the Second. The Russian Empress completely changed the country's economy beyond recognition. Now the Russians have learned what a state bank and loan offices are.
Another little known fact concerns the fact that the Russian nobles, as a sign of gratitude for their service, asked the empress to register them as Germans, because they were the ones who enjoyed the most favorable benefits and privileges on Russian soil. The influx of foreigners was so great that soon the border had to be temporarily closed to their entry.
Ekaterina was adherent to a strict daily routine. She always got up early and was completely indifferent to fashionable outfits. Most she devoted time state affairs and... writing plays that Voltaire himself asked to review.
Catherine was indifferent to fashion. She didn’t notice her, and sometimes quite deliberately ignored her. On weekdays, the Empress wore a simple dress and did not wear jewelry.
Historians call Catherine one of the most humane rulers. During her time on the throne, only one single thing happened. state execution— Emelyan Pugachev, leader of the popular revolt.
The first Great Empress of Russia voluntarily agreed to be vaccinated against smallpox. So she showed the Russian people that the vaccine, which the doctor Thomas Dimmesdale brought from London, is not at all dangerous and can cure terrible disease, from which, as you know, young Peter II died.
Catherine the Second was wonderful needlewoman. She easily took up knitting and embroidered real fabrics. But the empress was not very friendly with the Russian language and could make four mistakes in a three-letter word - the well-known “yet” came out from under her hand as “ischo”.
Empress was a heavy smoker. The cunning Catherine, not wanting her snow-white gloves to become saturated with a yellow nicotine coating, ordered the tip of each cigar to be wrapped in a ribbon of expensive silk.
Empress was hot-tempered, but she knew how to control herself, and never made decisions in a fit of anger. She was very polite even with the servants, no one heard a rude word from her, she did not order, but asked to do her will. Her rule, according to Count Segur, was “to praise out loud and scold quietly.”
Legend says that death Great Catherine came after a certain rogue healer advised her to take foot baths with ice water. This caused a severe shock and terrible agony that lasted 36 hours.
Catherine II left a big mark on history. She had a good understanding of people, which was confirmed by the subtlety of recruiting her own assistants, and respected bright people endowed with talents. During her reign, a huge number of writers, musicians, artists and other talents appeared. The reign of the Empress is quite bright, so today there are a variety of interesting facts from the life of Catherine II.
- Every day they spent 90 rubles on food for Catherine II. This is enough large sum, since one soldier was given a salary of 7 rubles per year. The Empress especially loved beef combined with pickled cucumbers. She preferred to drink currant juice. As a dessert, Catherine II loved to enjoy cherries and apples.
- The Empress was never interested in fashion. Every day she wore ordinary dresses and did not decorate her body with jewelry, although she had quite a lot of them.
- Aroused interest and personal life Catherine II. She was bright, there are many stories. The woman quickly and often fell in love, and was especially passionate about opposite sex. Many historians have tried to count the number of the empress's favorites. It is generally accepted that Catherine II had 13 men, this includes hers. official husband
. But perhaps this is not the whole list.
- During the reign of Catherine II, paper money appeared for the first time.
- Those who knew the empress well say that she was very beautiful even in mature age
. At the same time, she herself was well aware of this and often took advantage of her beauty.
- The Empress could flare up, but she knew how to restrain her temper, she never engaged in important matters in a fit of anger. She easily communicated with the servants, did not shout at her, but politely asked her to carry out her instructions. She behaved with restraint and listened to every person who approached her.
- The empress had bad habit in the form of smoking. She didn't want her white gloves to be stained by nicotine residue, so she ordered that each cigar be wrapped with a silk ribbon at the tip.
- During the reign of Catherine II, many new cities appeared and the birth rate increased.
- The ruler was doing needlework. She was excellent with knitting needles, so she knitted a variety of things every day. She also loved to play billiards.
- Catherine II admitted that she did not creative person. But despite this she was engaged in writing plays..
- The Empress forbade standing in front of her in the ballrooms, even when she stands in front of a person. It was impossible to make people sad and insult someone.
- When the empress ruled, only one person was executed, namely Emelyan Pugachev. But some sources say there were more executions.
- The death of the Empress also caused a lot of controversy. There is a version that one healer advised her to take foot baths with cold water. She heeded the advice, after which her health deteriorated greatly. Other sources talk about Catherine II's paralysis, which made it difficult for her to walk. After some time, she died.
- Many monuments were built for Catherine II. One of these was erected in St. Petersburg. It was built in honor of this famous woman. Looking through various interesting facts about St. Petersburg, you can often see information about the monument and the Empress. It took about 50 tons of bronze to make this sculpture. She's quite tall. There is a legend that precious jewelry is hidden under the memorial sculpture. Once they even wanted to carry out excavations. There are monuments in other cities.
- The future empress was married at the age of 16 to Peter III. The interesting thing is that he was her second cousin. Their marriage was not united by warm feelings, since Peter III treated the empress coldly.
Times change, but interest in the great rulers of past years remains unchanged, because from them you can borrow something that is truly missing modern leader. Among such outstanding leaders of her time is Empress Catherine II. She was a wonderful and disciplined person who led the throne skillfully. It is impossible to cover everything in a small publication. interesting points and the facts of her life during her reign. 
Things to know
The following moments of her eventful life deserve public attention:
- Having German roots Catherine II was distinguished by her pedantry in everything. She always stuck to her daily routine: getting up at 5 am, and after breakfast the hours began official reception for officials and secretaries of state, it was limited to 11. At this time, the queen went to bed. Meal times were also strictly regulated.
- Every day it took to feed the empress 90 rub. (the monthly soldier's salary at that time was only 9 rubles per year). She preferred boiled beef with pickles; instead of traditional tea, she drank a glass of berry juice. For dessert she was served fresh apples or cherries.
- Like any woman, the empress devoted her entire afternoon to her favorite pastime - needlework. She sewed excellently with canvas, knitted, sharpened figures from bone and stone, made various engravings, and played billiards well.
- Despite her position, fashion did not bother her that much; she could deliberately ignore it; on weekdays she wore a simple dress and no jewelry. Despite this, her imagination was well developed. She came up with a unique costume for her 6-month-old baby Alexander. Later, the famous Russian prince and the Swedish king sought to get his pattern for their own children. For her chosen subjects, the queen personally developed an original cut of the dress.
- Catherine was comprehensively developed, creative person. She wrote wonderful plays, some of which Voltaire had a chance to edit.
- During her reign, she managed to significantly expand the boundaries of the state, the system underwent modernization government agencies And tsarist army. At this time, 11 provinces were acquired, and 144 new cities.
- The “golden age” for the local nobility was the time of her reign.
- During her time on the throne total number population has increased by 14 million people.
Some features of the empress's character
There was much more remarkable about this seemingly simple, but at the same time so majestic woman. If you list all the remarkable moments in history associated with this name, you will get quite a lot. It is worth focusing on the following interesting facts:
- Despite the fact that Catherine was among Orthodox and Catholics, she was an adherent of Buddhism. Since then, this type of religion has become traditional in Rus'.
- She had a poor command of the basics of Russian grammar, so her notes often contained errors.
- In terms of addictions, Catherine had only a craving for smoking tobacco; in order not to stain her snow-white gloves with tobacco particles, she asked to wrap each end of the cigar with a piece of expensive silk.
- In her interactions with people, she showed friendliness and courtesy, had a calm disposition, and had a kind heart, she truly loved life. She had a great understanding of people and mastered the subtleties human psychology, she was extremely polite with everyone, and in moments of anger she tried not to make fateful decisions.
- The queen was the first to introduce compulsory vaccination against smallpox.
- The ideas of the Enlightenment were very close to her and often appeared in conversations.
- According to her convictions, she was a true Republican; she spoke out against serfdom.
- The most precious thing in her life was her power and everything connected with it, the creation and acceptance of all state laws were on her fragile shoulders.
- Many noted her intelligence and beauty, which she was able to preserve in old age, for which noble men of that time loved her.
- During her reign, they began issuing paper currency.
- The first banks of national importance and savings banks were opened during her reign.
- According to official data, in the life of the empress there were 13 men.
- She was known for her generosity, even giving gifts to local peasants, for example, large family, who gave birth to 69 children over 40 years of marriage.
- She gave permission for a naval captain to marry a black woman; her act caused a lot of indignation among noble people, many even saw this as some kind of political dirty trick.
- Social entertainment and various kinds The arts were to her liking, she actively took part in all social celebrations.
- The only person she ordered to be executed was Emelyan Pugachev.
- Long before her death, Catherine wrote her own funeral epitaph, where she tried to objectively reflect all the most important moments of her life, some remarkable character traits. In this way, she was able to convey to her contemporaries her true appearance - a simple, courteous, but fair empress.
- An organized palace coup, she prepared for the reign for a long time and carefully, studying local customs and traditions, the Russian language.
- During her reign, Russia managed to approach the number of countries with a well-developed culture, which she tried to pay maximum attention to.
- Along with the positive changes, there was a negative aspect in economic development country - a public debt of 34 million rubles was formed, the sources are silent about what this was connected with.
- Catherine was famous for her kind disposition, her ability to forgive, she preferred to praise loudly rather than publicly reprimand someone.
This is the most basic thing that many historians note about this great personality, who played important role in the history of the state.