French Revolution & Napoleon (Grey History)

Interview Episode - Russian Rulers History Podcast & Catherine the Great

Sep 16, 2022

Guest Mark Schauss, host of the Russian Rulers History Podcast, discusses Catherine the Great's influential policies, surprising ascent to the throne, relationship with French philosophers, and her attitude towards the French Revolution. They also explore her strained relationship with her son, Paul, and her association with the Enlightenment.

58:29

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Episode guests

Mark Schauss

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Quick takeaways

Catherine the Great's reign saw significant advancements in education, women's roles, and arts, literature, and sciences.

Despite her initial alignment with Enlightenment thinkers, Catherine's autocratic rule and limited reforms created a disconnect between her rhetoric and actions.

Deep dives

Catherine the Great's Background and Rise to Power

Catherine the Great was born in Germany as Sophia Frederica Augusta von Unhalt Zerst Dornberg. She married Peter III, her second cousin, to strengthen alliances between Russia and Prussia. After the death of Empress Elizabeth, Catherine orchestrated a coup with the backing of the military to overthrow Peter III and claim the throne. Although her reign began with liberal intentions influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Diderot and Voltaire, Catherine's rule became more autocratic over time.

Introduction

2min

Catherine the Great: Rise to Power

13min

Catherine the Great's Smallpox Vaccination

6min

The Strained Relationship and Tensions Between Catherine the Great and Paul

5min

Catherine the Great's Relationship with the Enlightenment

27min

Passion for Russian Rulers History and Teaching Russian History

2min

Russian Language and Catherine the Great

3min

Catherine the Great is one of the most intriguing and consequential monarchs of the 18th century. Mark Schauss from the Russian Rulers History Podcast joins me for a wide-ranging interview on Catherine's reign. In this episode, we discuss Catherine's influential policies, politics, and wars, as well as her surprising ascent to the Russian throne. We also discuss Catherine's relationship with the Enlightenment and leading French philosophers, along with her attitude towards the French Revolution.

Support Grey History:

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Additional RRHP material on Catherine the Great:

- Episodes 42-51

- Episode 188

www.russianrulershistory.com

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