Catherine the Great was born a German princess in the city of Stettin, Germany, which is now part of Poland. Her name at birth was Sophie. When Sophie was 14, Czarina Elizabeth, Empress of Russia, chose her to marry Peter, the successor to Russia’s throne.
Sophie changed her name to Catherine and converted to the Russian Orthodox religion. Catherine was very intelligent and hard-working. She quickly learned the Russian language. Catherine also grew to love Russia very dearly. It was not long, however, before her marriage failed. Catherine greatly disliked how her husband Peter ruled Russia after Czarina Elizabeth died. Peter had made an alliance with Prussia, long an enemy of Russia. He made other decisions that also hurt Russia. Catherine decided that Russia would be better served if she ruled, not Peter. She knew that her love for Russia had gained her the support of much of Russian society, including Russia’s army. In 1762, Catherine led the army against Peter and removed him from the throne. She took over as Empress of Russia, calling herself Catherine II.
During her rule, she greatly expanded the Russian Empire. Catherine added over 200,000 square miles of territory to Russia. She also worked hard to keep Russia out of Europe’s wars. However, she also helped to divide up Poland among Russia, Prussia, and Austria. As a result, Poland ceased to exist as a country.
Catherine was well-read, and she communicated with many of the great minds of the Enlightenment. Although she wanted to free Russia’s serfs, she decided not to do so. She needed the support of Russia’s nobles—who were dependent on the serfs for their wealth.
A lover of the arts, Catherine built new museums, libraries, and even towns throughout Russia. She also created the first Russian schools for girls and a medical college. Catherine died in 1796, having earned the title of Catherine the Great for her legacy of reform, expansion, and education.