Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great (1729-1796) — born Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst in Prussia — became Empress of Russia through a coup against her own husband (Peter III, whose murder she arranged or permitted) and ruled for 34 years as one of history's most capable monarchs. She expanded Russia's territory dramatically (Poland, Crimea, Alaska, parts of Central Asia); modernized Russian administration; patronized the arts (the Hermitage Museum began as her personal art collection); and corresponded with Voltaire and the French Enlightenment philosophers. Catherine is an 'Enlightened Despot' — she embraced Enlightenment ideas in theory while maintaining autocratic rule in practice. Her Nakaz (Instruction, 1767) drew on Montesquieu and Beccaria to propose liberal legal reforms — then she implemented none of them after the Pugachev Rebellion (1773-75) showed the dangers of reform. Her personal life was unconventional — she had numerous lovers (favorites given positions of influence) and the scandalous rumors (largely invented by her enemies) have overshadowed her political achievements.