Empire
75. Catherine the Great: The Golden Age
Aug 29, 2023
In this engaging discussion, historian Simon Sebag Montefiore delves into the remarkable life of Catherine the Great, a German princess who defied the odds to become Empress of Russia. Montefiore explores her complex ascent to power through a loveless marriage and strategic love affairs, and the dramatic circumstances of her husband's demise. He highlights her cultural contributions, including Enlightenment influences, and her attempts at legal reforms amid the harsh realities of serfdom, showcasing her legacy as a formidable female leader in a male-dominated world.
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Quick takeaways
- Catherine the Great implemented progressive reforms and pursued Enlightenment ideals, including state-funded education and improvements to legal systems.
- Catherine the Great formed a strategic partnership with Gregory Potemkin to overcome political turmoil and rebellion.
Deep dives
Catherine the Great's Rise to Power and Reforms
Catherine the Great, a German-born usurper, became the Empress of Russia after the overthrow and death of her husband Peter III. Despite the initial guilt she felt, she implemented several progressive reforms and pursued Enlightenment ideals. She established Russia's first state-funded school and a girls' boarding school, improved legal systems, and attempted to abolish torture. She also supported smallpox inoculation and encouraged art, culture, and education. However, she faced challenges such as the Polish crisis and the Russia-Turkish war, in which she proved to be a skillful military leader. The war brought about a turning point where the Ottoman Empire was seen as weak, and it solidified Russia's position as a major European power.
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