Catherine II

Future Russian Empress Catherine II (Sophie Friederike) was born in small German town of Stettin on April 21, 1729. When Sophie Friederike was three years old there were negotiations to arrange her marriage with the future Russian Emperor. When the strong-willed, young and inquisitive Princess turned 15, Sophie and her mother arrived to Russia. Sophie converted to Orthodoxy and married Peter III on September 1, 1745. At the insistence of Empress Elisabeth, Sophie Friederike was baptized and was named Ekaterina Alekseevna, by the name that left a mark in history.

After Catherine II ascended the throne, she introduced the best ideas of the Enlightenment in Europe to the Russian society. Catherine the Great was well educated, read a lot, knew several languages and studied law. She also corresponded with Voltaire, and was an author of fiction and nonfiction works.

Catherine II paid a special attention to promoting education, establishing schools and new universities. The Empress was very proud that she founded the Smolny Institute, the first women’s educational institution in Russia. Catherine the Great won hearts not only of the St. Petersburg Court, but also of all Russian people for her genuine interest in everything Russian.

Throughout her reign Catherine II was afraid of being accused in usurpation of the throne. The Empress understood that she had no claim to the Russian throne. After overthrowing the husband she did not handed power to her son as many had expected. Catherine the Great, ethnic German, reigned for 34 years apprehensively looking back at her roots.

The lecture will be dedicated to Catherine the Great, whose reign period is also known as the Golden Age of the Russian Empire.

The meeting will be held online in Russian with simultaneous translation into Spanish.

Registration