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THE LAND OF THE MISFIT QUEENS
Who was Catherine II, and Why was she so great?
Let’s go back to one of Russia’s finest monarchs. She was powerful, vengeful, and good at her job. Catherine the Great ruled at a time where Russia experienced expansion and integration into western societies. As Russia’s longest-serving monarch in history, Catherine II represents the fine balance between taking power as your own and figuring out what to do with it.
Early Life
Catherine II was born Sophie Friederike Auguste, Prinzessin (princess) von Anhalt-Zerbst on April 21st, 1729 in Stettin, Prussia. She assimilated into Russian society upon marrying Grand Duke Peter, grandson of Peter the Great and heir to the throne. Many viewed Catherine as a suspicious foreign princess when she first arrived at court, but Catherine dispelled any uncertainty by her enthusiasm to adapt to Russian culture.
After time spent in Russia, the court regarded Catherine as equally or more capable than her husband and tsar. She was intelligent and ambitious, seems to have all the makings of a strong and confident ruler. They viewed Peter III as weak-minded and incompetent. Catherine…
