Catherine the Great: Characters, aims and influences

Catherine's main aims

- Create a powerful central government which was able to combat some of Russia's fundamental problems, including its vast size and variety of cultures, nationalities, ethnicities and religions - Secure newfound territory against Austria, Prussia and Sweden - Maintain dominance of Poland Secure her personal position and establish a strong autocracy

Why was Catherine's position as Tsarina precarious?

- The multiple coups in the period 1725-1762 gave a sense of rapid and unstable regime change - Russia was being ridiculed by the West - Catherine was a foreigner who came from an unimportant state - Her marriage to Peter III had been unsuccessful and her son Paul was likely illegitimate - Catherine was a usurper

How was Catherine influenced by the Enlightenment?

Catherine liked to write fictional works, had long read the works of the Enlightened writers and enjoyed personal correspondence with notable members of the Philosophes

How did the French Revolution influence Catherine?

As with all absolute rulers, Catherine was opposed to a constitutional monarchy or a democracy. She was concerned at the prospect of being overthrown by a mass uprising of the people. In response, she tightened censorship laws and cracked down on anything she deemed radical (even the works of Voltaire were burnt!) All French ideas were banned and a greater emphasis was placed on obedience.

How did cultural changes reflect the Enlightenment?

Catherine enjoyed her reputation as a patron of the arts, education and culture. Under her direction St Petersburg became a dazzling capital of flourishing theatre, music and painting.

What were the main principles of the Enlightenment?

Enlightened thinkers advocated the concept of natural laws which could govern society, laws and the economy. These included equality and personal liberty.

Why was the French Revolution so significant?

In 1789 the French Revolution broke out. During this revolution the absolute monarch Louis XVI was executed and a republic established. The revolution advocated liberalism whereby a body of elected representatives were responsible for governing the country.

What did Enlightened Absolutism mean?

Rulers who lead by by Enlightened Absolutism represented Enlightened ideas and the greater good, but policies and changes were imposed by an absolute ruler with autocratic power.

What is a contractual government?

The idea of good governance in return for obedience from the people

Examples of Enlightened writers

Voltaire, Diderot, Montesquieu. Beccaria