Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great (1729-96), Tsarina (Empress) of Russia.

Catherine was born in Stettin, Prussia, the daughter of a German prince.

At the age of sixteen she married the heir to the Russian throne and in 1762 he became Tsar Peter III.

Catherine and her husband quarrelled and she plotted against him. Soon she was put on the throne in his place and Peter was murdered.

Catherine liked to be surrounded by riches and comfort but she worked hard at being Tsarina.

She improved the way Russia was governed and during her reign the empire was extended.

Russia claimed a large portion of Poland and, after two wars with Turkey, swallowed up part of that country.

See Carolly Erickson Great Catherine