Catherine the Great

Attempts at Reform

-By 1764 Catherine felt secure enough to begin to work on reform, or social conditions -Catherines rule was greatly influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment, and it was in the spirit of the enlightenment that Catherine undertook her first major reform -Russia's legal system was based on an old and inefficient code of laws dating from 1649, so Catherine proposed "The Instruction," and it was widely distributed in Europe and caused a sensation because it called for a legal system far in advance of these times -"The Instruction" proposed a system providing equal protection under law for each person, it also emphasized prevention of criminal acts rather than harsh punishment for them -In June 1767 the Empress created the Legislative Commission to revise the old laws in accordance with the "Instruction." -Catherine had great hopes about what the commission might accomplish, but it made little progress

Final Days

-By 1796, Catherine had enjoyed several decades as Russia's absolute ruler -She had a strained relationship with her son and heir, Paul, over her tight grip on power, but she enjoyed her grandchildren -In her later years, Catherine continued to possess an active mind and a strong spirit -However in November of 1796, she was found unconscious on the floor of her bathroom -Catherine, Russia's great empress, lingered on until the following night, but never regained consciousness. She died on November 17, 1796 -Catherine II and Peter III were both laid to rest at the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul - Catherine made some significant contributions to Russia, bringing forth educational reforms and championing the arts. As leader, Catherine also extended the country's borders through military might and diplomatic prowess.

Rise to Power

-When Empress Elizabeth died on December 25, 1761, Peter, -Catherine's husband, was proclaimed Emperor Peter III, and Catherine became empress -After only a few months on the throne, Peter created enemies within the government, the church, and the military -There was soon a plot to overthrow him and their 7 year old son would become emperor, but for the time being Catherine would be named the regent (temporary ruler) -Those involved in the plot underestimated Catherine and though she would become a background figure -On June 28, 1762, with the help of Gregory Orlov, she rallied the troops of St. Petersburg to her support and declared herself Catherine II, the sole ruler of Russia. -Catherine soon arrested Peter and required him to step down