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You're Dead to Me
Catherine the Great
Jan 5, 2024
Dr Julia Leikin and comedian David Mitchell join Greg Jenner to discuss the life of Catherine II of Russia, exploring her contradictions as a German princess who became empress of Russia, her belief in Enlightenment philosophy despite imperial expansion, and her sexual openness in the patriarchal eighteenth century. They delve into her rise to power, her reign and legacy, and the controversies surrounding her policies in Ukraine.
57:54
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Quick takeaways
- Catherine the Great embraced Enlightenment ideas and sought to modernize Russia, implementing educational reforms, colonization of Alaska, and cultural patronage.
- Catherine the Great's reign was marked by controversies and propaganda, including allegations of bestiality, but her legacy as a powerful and influential ruler endures.
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Catherine the Great's Rise to Power
Catherine the Great, originally Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst, was a German princess who married Peter III and became Empress of Russia. Although Peter was not a suitable match and their marriage was unhappy, Catherine managed to gain support and build alliances throughout Peter's reign. After Peter's short and ineffective rule, Catherine orchestrated a coup to take power and establish herself as the ruler of Russia. She faced internal rebellions and external conflicts, such as wars with the Ottoman Empire. Despite these challenges, Catherine expanded the Russian Empire and implemented both domestic and foreign policies that shaped the country's trajectory.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode