Catherine The Great Impact

During the time of the Enlightenment, western Europe saw an evolution in its society due to the flourish of literary growth, stern reevaluations on the significance of organized religion, and the advancements surrounding science and technology. However, the neighboring country of Russia was wholly detached from these western advancements, remaining underdeveloped and overwhelmingly agricultural (Dmytryshyn 2). Urging Russia to be involved in this culture of mass westernization, Peter the Great, also commonly referred to as Peter I, sought to transform aspects of Russian society—notably the establishment of an educational system—to match the trends of modernization, but the end of his reign left matters unfulfilled (de Madariaga 370). Fortunately,

In the 34 years of her rule, Catherine accomplished necessary tasks to improve the nation for its prosperity and for the development of her people. However, her place as a female ruler overturning the nation this drastically led to divisiveness regarding her actions while in power. Those who looked up to her were compelled to keep her deserved name alive and well, a mere exchange with the empress said to leave an impression on her subjects (Dixon 649-653). Moreover, the Nakaz not only revised and improved numerous aspects of Russian life and politics, but it was often seen as a symbol of what Catherine’s time on the throne meant—a representation of her autocracy (Dixon 670). On the other hand, the criticisms centering around Catherine’s rule brought up exactly how much she had changed in Russia, and certain reforms, such as the judiciary’s alterations, were a result of acute feminization influencing how the nation would be operated (Dixon 678). Although these praises and criticisms are justifiable, the impact Catherine the Great had on Russia is inarguable. Her application of western thought on a nation that remained isolated from the advancements of its European neighbors set Russia on a path to become one of the great powers of the world. In short, Catherine the Great was the face of Russian modernization, and it is this accomplishment that empowers her reputation long after her time as empress has