Amy Ward: Summary of Catherine II, Empress of Russia

Princess Sophia Augusta Fredericka of Anhalt-Zerbst became Empress Catherine II of Russia.  Sophia was born in 1729, married to her cousin Peter when she was 15, became Empress of Russia when she was 33, and died on November 6, 1796.

Sophie was the first-born child and was isolated from her family because her mother was more interested in having sons.  Instead she was subjected to strict and harsh tutors.  Her only comfort was in her nurse, Babette, who seemed a stand-in mother.

Sophie was married to her cousin, Peter, who was the heir of choice for the Russian Empress, Elizabeth.  She was given the name Catherine.  Although she was the second most powerful woman in the empire, her life remained under tight restrictions and she was expected to do no more and no less than provide an heir.

Catherine was very intelligent and patient.  She was confident in her ideals and very decisive when the time came for action.  She made good friends with many forward thinkers & brilliant minds of the time, including Voltaire.  She always tried to act in the best interest of Russia and her people.  Straight forwards, honest and charming always, she surprised both her subjects and visiting dignitaries with her manner.

Once Catherine became Empress, she found it more difficult than she had imagined making changes to improve the widely diverse empire.  There was a constant threat of conspiracy to remove her from the throne. She shouldered much of the responsibility for introducing culture and enlightenment into Russia and was unable to find someone to share her rule who satisfied her both intellectually and physically.

Reference