EI Weekly Listen — Lucy Ward on the invention of Catherine the Great

Lucy Ward, a historian specializing in Russian history, dives into Catherine the Great's groundbreaking smallpox inoculation in 1768. She discusses how Catherine strategically crafted her image to symbolize national progress while promoting public health. Ward highlights the complex interplay of personal wellness and political power, showcasing how this remarkable act of self-creation not only influenced her reign but also redefined leadership for women in a male-dominated society.