- Catherine’s greatest accomplishment as an absolute monarch was expanding the western and southern sides of the Russian Empire. As Catherine started her reign, she immediately followed in the footsteps of Peter the Great, who tried to gain full access of the Black Sea. Catherine’s army engaged in the first Russo-Turkish battle from 1768 to 1774. After six years of fighting, Catherine’s great army and military tactics overcome the Turkish armed force and gained access to the Black Sea. This expanded the Russian Empire and allowed Russians to sail through Ottoman controlled straits leading to from the Black Sea. Catherine also expanded the Russian Empire in the second Russo-Turkish War. The Ottoman Empire planned to regain their lost lands that Catherine controlled. However, Catherine’s army succeeded and gained even more land of the Ottoman Empire. The Yedisan region and the Crimea were added to the growing empire. Later Russia also gained part of Poland in a partition between Prussia, Austria, and Russia. Catherine’s empire became one of the strongest territories because of the land annexed through its opponents defeat. Russia was recognized throughout Europe and many countries feared the powerful, international empire. Russia gained more trade as Catherine’s army expanded its borders. Catherine the Great was ultimately known for expanding the Russian Empire and her reign was called Russia’s golden age.
2. In what ways did you improve your country for your people? (positive impact)
- When Catherine the Great became empress one of the first things she did was carry out the previous political reforms of Peter the Great. In 1767, Catherine formed a commission to review the laws of Russia. She proposed her reforms based on ideas of ...
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...w that the Ottoman Empire was at a weak point at the end of the Seven Years’ and all she needed to do was send in my forces to defeat the Turkish navy. As an end result her outstanding military gained control over the Black Sea and gained rights to send ships through the Ottoman Empire’s straits. The second Russo-Turkish War lasted from 1787 to 1792 and the Ottoman Empire attempted to regain the lands they had lost in the last Russo-Turkish War. But yet again, Catherine’s army was to skilled, tough, and large for the Turks to defeat. Instead of the Ottoman Empire trying to regain land, the Russians gained control of Crimea and the Yedisan region. Catherine the Great established authority throughout Europe by winning wars against powerful Empires like the Ottoman. Other countries learned to fear the Russian military, and compromise with Catherine then call for war.
Napoleon Bonaparte, an unparalleled military commander who conquered most of Europe around the early 1800’s, invaded Russia in 1812, who was under the rule of Tsar Alexander at the time, lost three quarters of his Grande Armee which was composed of soldiers from all over Europe totaling 600,000 soldiers. This part of history is the most talked about and studied military campaign even today by scholars and military school alike. Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812 was a extraordinary expedition that shocked the French Empire to its foundation and led to its eventual collapse just a year later. This Historiographic comparative
With the coinciding of a revolution on the brink of eruption and the impacts of the First World War beginning to take hold of Russia, considered analysis of the factors that may have contributed to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty is imperative, as a combination of several factors were evidently lethal. With the final collapse of the 300 year old Romanov Dynasty in 1917, as well as the fall of Nicholas II, a key reality was apparent; the impact that WWI had on autocratic obliteration was undeniable. However, reflection of Russia’s critical decisions prior to the war is essential in the assessment of the cause of the fall of the Romanov Dynasty. No war is fought without the struggle for resources, and with Russia still rapidly lagging behind in the international industrialisation race by the turn of the 20th century, the stage was set for social unrest and uprising against its already uncoordinated and temporarily displaced government. With inconceivable demands for soldiers, cavalry and warfare paraphernalia, Russia stood little chance in the face of the great powers of World War One.
Though the book has no footnotes, it was researched methodically through documents and the work of other scholars. It is very detailed and specific for such a short book. The information about the foreign policy of Russia under Catherine’s rule, and her various wars and military maneuvers, helped explain some of the issues Russian is currently undergoing today in Crimea, the Ukraine and with Turkey. The central theme of reform was also examined in depth, and given the time in which she ruled, and the size of the country, it astonishes me the undertaking Catherine had in front of her. It could take 18 months for an imperial order to reach the far eastern side of Russia, then 18 more months for a reply to get back to her at the
In conclusion, though the goals and outcomes were different in many ways, Louis XIV and Peter the Great both sought to do great things. Louis XIV died unpopular in his country, having had the spotlight on him for years in Europe. He hadn’t made the huge leaps that he had hoped as far as land goes, but he had made small gains of land, and had gained the crown for his grandson, Phillip V of Spain. He also built fortresses around the country and reshaped the French economy. Peter the Great succeeded in modernizing and westernizing Russia. By his death, Russia was considered much more of a leading state in Europe than ever before. He modernized the army, created a navy, and succeeded in centralizing the government.
Catherine was born in 1729 to a German prince and princess. She moved to Russia well before her husband’s, Peter III, reign. During the time before his reign she learned all about the Russian language and customs, even converting to Orthodoxy. Catherine started her spirited and enlightened reign in 1762. In an effort to help make a more absolute government, Catherine wished to rework Russia’s law code, which had not been changed since 1649. In July of 1767 she brought together the Legislative Commission. This was a body of elected deputies for her to consult with about her Instruction, or Nakaz. The Legislative Commission consisted of nobles, merchants and
On the other hand there were other problems that effected the Romanov dynasty. After Russia’s removal from Poland the Tsar took it upon himself to become the new commander-in-chief, even th...
She tried to bring about political and social reforms by compiling a document called “Nakaz” which contained advice on how legislature should function and pushed for capital punishment and torture to be outlawed and everyone be declared equal. She focused the early years of her reign on the promotion of administrative efficiency and expansion of educational opportunities. Under Catherine reign, the Assignation Bank started issuing the government paper in 1768, having the Government Issue paper money. Ands lastly, during Catherine made substantial gains in Poland and gave the parts of Poland to Prussia and Austria, while taking the eastern region for herself. Catherine worst blunders were that she did not allow dissenters to build chapels and she suppressed religious dissent after the French revolution. Catherine ruled through corruption, scandal, and her failed attempts at reforms. Lastly, 95% of Russia did not benefit directly from Catherine’s reign, and she did not consider the blood and sweat of the people who help grow the economy during this
The Extent to Which the First World War Contributed to the Fall of Czardom in Russia
Catherine II was motivated by the ideals of enlightened absolutism because she read the works of enlightenment writers and believed that certain reforms would ensure the well-being of her subjects. Catherine’s first major reform involved Russia’s legal system, which was based on the inefficient Code of Laws. Catherine's legal reform was documented to be the ideal government for Russia. The Empress called for a progressive legal system which focused on granting equal protection under law to all persons and emphasizing prevention of criminal acts rather than the imposing of harsh punishment. Catherine also reformed domestic matters after a series of threatening events. For security reasons, she reorganized provincial administration to favor the nobility. Catherine even reformed educational facilities by increasing the number of elementary and secondary schools. She also gave attention to the arts and science, making St. Petersburg one of the most cultural place in Europe during her reign. The reforms that were influenced by enlightened absolutism were appealing to Catherine II because it would bring peace and stability to Russia and its people. This made her favorable among her people, thus making her more
Frederick II, the Great was the King of Prussia from 1740-1786, he was the successor of his father Frederick William I (Kishlansky, Geary and O'Brien). Catherine the Great was married to Peter III and the Empress of Russia during the years of 1762-1796 (Kishlansky, Geary and O'Brien). Even though they were both leaders that made lasting changes for their countries they had different methods of ruling, making different contributions along with mistakes. The following paragraphs will give more detail about the accomplishments and failures of both leaders.
Peter the Great became tsar of Russia in 1682 and instituted many comprehensive changes designed to modernize and develop Russia during his reign. In The Revolution of Peter the Great, James Cracraft portrays the tsar as an ambitious and pivotal leader who sought to create a modern and powerful state by emulating Western European nations. The author insists that Peter inspired a revolution in Russia by establishing new bureaucratic, civil, and educational institutions. Cracraft argues that although all of Peter’s modifications had social and economic consequences, it was the cultural revolution that had the greatest impact on Russia. Cracraft describes Peter the Great as the most essential and historic figure in all of Russian history, and thus claims Peter as one of the most significant figures in all of modern history.
Q8. After a hard loss during the Crimean War, the previous Czar Nicholas I position was taken over by his son Alexander II. This brought new change and hope to the people of Russia. Russians were hoping for change at the time, and that is exactly what the driven new Czar had brought to the table. Alexander II came along with the idea of modernization and social change for Russia. In order to do this, Alexander II created his reforms which he thought would be Russia's best interest in order to compete with other nations powers.
Catherine the Great was an empress of Russia who ruled from 1762 to 1796, the longest reign of any female Russian leader. Although her reign is clouded in rumors and legends she was still able to greatly expand her country's empire. Catherine the Greats story begins like most others, born of two parents, her Father Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst and her Mother Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. But don’t let that fool you. Her story consists of many twists and turns that sets her apart from others, with the outcome of greatness. Catherine the Great also known as Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst was born May 2, 1729, in Szczecin, Poland. Not much is said on her education but it is believed that she acquired formal education. The year is 1744, and a 15-year-old Sophie was just invited to Russia by Elizabeth who had assumed the throne three years earlier. Elizabeth eventually choosing her nephew Peter as heir was now looking for a bride. Their marriage took place on August 21, 1745. Catherine and Peter had a rocky marriage from the start so when eight long years passed without...
After their defeat in the Crimean war (1853-1856), Russia’s leaders realized they were falling behind much of Europe in terms of modernisation and industrialisation. Alexander II took control of the empire and made the first steps towards radically improving the country’s infrastructure. Transcontinental railways were built and the government strengthened Russia’s economy by promoting industrialisation with the construction of factory complexes throughout...
The article entitled "The Memoirs of Catherine the Great" is two accounts of Catherine the great coming to rule. The second was a letter to her lover Count Poniatowski. The article portrays Catherine as the savior of Russia. It begins at the death of Empress Elisabeth. The Russians were weary after her death over this death, because they feared the harsh governing of Peter. Many people saw their only hope in that of Catherine. They talk of how Catherine only wanted the best for Russia, and how all her hope was for the success of this country. The rule of Peter got so bad the Catherine decided it was time to take measures into her own hands. She ordered an arrest on her husband after returning from one of her trips. The people began to worship her for what she had done. She was named Empress of Russia. During her rise in power Peter III died and in her article she says that he died of natural causes, but I don't think many believed this.