Empress Catherine II: The Reign and Legacy of Russia’s Enlightened Despot

Introduction

Empress Catherine II, commonly known as Catherine the Great, reigned over Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. Her tenure is often characterized as a period of significant transformation and modernization within the Russian Empire. This paper aims to explore the key aspects of Catherine II’s reign, including her policies, reforms, and cultural contributions, while also examining the complexities of her legacy as an “enlightened despot.” Through an analysis of her governance and the socio-political landscape of her time, this report will argue that while Catherine’s reign brought about substantial advancements for Russia, it also reinforced autocratic rule and social inequalities.

Main Body

Catherine II ascended to the throne following a coup that deposed her husband, Peter III. Her reign marked a pivotal shift towards