Catherine the Great's Milestones

Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, expanded the empire, promoted Enlightenment reforms, and is remembered as one of Russia’s most successful and influential rulers.
1729

Birth

Born Sophie Friederike Auguste in Stettin, Prussia (now Szczecin, Poland), to Christian August and Johanna Elisabeth.

Family May 2, 1729
1735

Early education

Received a broad education in languages, philosophy, and the arts in Prussia.

Education January 1, 1735 - January 1, 1744
1744

Journey to Russia

Invited to Russia by Empress Elizabeth; converted to Russian Orthodoxy and took the name Catherine Alexeyevna.

Other February 9, 1744
1745

Married Peter III

Married Grand Duke Peter, heir to the Russian throne.

Relationship August 21, 1745
1754

Political intrigue at court

Navigated complex court politics and built alliances among Russian nobility.

Other January 1, 1754 - January 1, 1762

Birth of son Paul

Gave birth to her only legitimate son, the future Emperor Paul I.

Family September 20, 1754
1762

Coup against Peter III

Led a coup that deposed her husband Peter III, becoming Empress of Russia.

Achievement July 9, 1762

Coronation as Empress

Formally crowned Empress of Russia in Moscow.

Achievement September 22, 1762
1763

Corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers

Maintained correspondence with leading Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire and Diderot, supporting the arts and sciences.

Other January 1, 1763 - November 17, 1796
1764

Patronage of the arts

Founded the Hermitage Museum and promoted Russian literature, theatre, and education.

Achievement January 1, 1764 - November 17, 1796

Established Smolny Institute

Founded the Smolny Institute, Russia's first state-financed higher education institution for women.

Achievement May 1, 1764
1767

Legal reforms (Nakaz)

Issued the Nakaz, a new legal code inspired by Enlightenment ideas, and convened the Legislative Commission.

Achievement December 14, 1767 - March 1, 1768
1768

Expanded Russian Empire

Oversaw significant territorial expansion through wars with the Ottoman Empire and partitions of Poland, making Russia a major European power.

Achievement January 1, 1768 - November 17, 1796
1773

Pugachev's Rebellion

Faced and suppressed the Pugachev Rebellion, the largest peasant uprising in Russian history.

Other September 17, 1773 - January 21, 1775
1796

Death

Catherine the Great died in St. Petersburg, ending one of Russia's most influential reigns.

Other November 17, 1796