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Shenwas the Empress of Russia, the most famous and longest-reigningnfemale leader of that country in its history—ruling for 34 years.
Shenwas the Empress of Russia, the most famous and longest-reigningnfemale leader of that country in its history—ruling for 34 years.n
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nBornnon this date in 1729, her name as a baby wasn’t (of course)n“Catherine the Great.” But you may be surprised to hear that shenwasn’t named Catherine at all! She was named Sophie FriederikenAuguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Domburg. (Um…wow!)
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nAlso,nshe wasn’t born Russian! Instead, she was Prussian (German), and shenwas educated by French tutors. Two of her first cousins became kingsnof Sweden, but Catherine married a man who was next in line to becomenczar (emperor) of Russia, Peter of Holsetin-Gottorp.
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nUnfortunately,nthe marriage was not very successful. From what I read, it seems thatnalmost everyone disliked Peter, including Catherine! Many people who nhated Peter admired Catherine.
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| In Imperial Russia, the rich were very, very rich. They owned such things as fabulously jeweled eggs. |
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nAfternthe death of the empress of Russia, Peter was crowned Emperor PeternIII. Remember, he was highly disliked, but the monarchy goes alongnbloodlines, not by popularity. Still, it would have been smart fornPeter to make more friends—because he only ruled for six months!nThen he was murdered, and Catherine was made Empress Catherine II. n
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n(Historiansnhave found no firm evidence that Catherine actually conspired to killnher estranged husband, by the way.)
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| …And in Imperial Russia, the serfs were poor and had few rights. |
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nRussiangrew to be one of the great powers of Europe during Catherine’snreign. She modernized Russia and encouraged colonization of Alaska.nThis time is considered the Golden Age of the Russian Empire—andnshe is called “the Great.” However, Catherine did nothing to helpnthe poor workers, or serfs—as a matter of fact, their lives mightnhave become even more grim during her rule. So to me, she is not sonvery great.
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nGreatnWisdom…
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nCatherinenthe Great once said, “Inpraise loudly, I blame softly.” What do you think she meant bynthat? Is this a good idea?
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nAlsonon this date:
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nAnniversary of the modern legend of the Loch Ness Monster
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nAnniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s study of the Gulf Stream
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