-
Birth
Catherine the Great of Russia was born in Stettin, Prussia, or what is now known as Szczecin, Poland. She was born on May 2, 1729. She was born to Christian August, a general under Frederick of Prussia, and Princess Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. At birth, she was given the name Sophie Friederike Auguste. This is important because if she hadn't been born what she accomplished would have never happened and Russia may not be what it is today ("Catherine II Biography"). -
Protestants Settle in Georgia
In 1734, 8,000 Protestants settled in the colony of Georgia. These Protestants were Salzburg Protestants. This is important because it began to expand the New World. Also, it added to the variety of religion and culture in the New World (Grun 339). -
Bible Translation
In 1735, the Bible was translated into the language of Lithuanian. This expanded the variety of languages that the Bible had been translated into. Therefore, this is significant because it expanded the number of people who could read the Bible and practice Christianity (Grun 338). -
Marriage to Peter
Catherine married Peter on August 21, 1745. This marriage was loveless. In fact, it is said that she loathed him (Farmer 116). This is signinficant because before his death, Peter began westernizing Russia. He did this by changing their clothing style and many ways that they did things which had a positive impact, but once Catherine took over power it went downhill. She attempted to change things such as freedom of speech, and she lost the country's support ("How did Catherine"). -
Invention of the Lightning Conductor
The lightning conductor was invented in 1752. It was invented by Benjamin Franklin. This is significant because many people houses were being struck by lightning and going up in flames and burning to the ground. This sometimes resulted in the death of people. Benjamin Franklin's invention saved people's lives, their houses, and their belongings (Grun 347). -
Birth of her son Paul
In January 1754, Catherine the Great gave birth to a son Paul after two miscarriages. The rumor was that Catherine was having an affair and that Sergei Saltykov may have been Paul's father. In order to protect the royal reputation, Empress Elizabeth took Paul from Catherine. After Elizabeth died, Catherine treated Paul with a "cold indifference" (Rice 129-159). This is significant because she may not have ever came to power if Russian people found out about her affair. -
Vancouver Expands
In 1758, Vancouver began to explore the northwestern coast of North America. Since Vancouver is part of Canada today, this is significant because Canada may not be as big and as powerful as it is today. The more land a coutnry has the more power a country has. Therefore, since Vancouver is part of British Columbia and British Columbia makes up a large part of Canada, it makes a large contribution to Canada's wealth and power (Grun 369). -
Sympathy for Catherine
During spring of 1762, the royal family held a gathering to celebrate the signing of peace with Prussia. It is said the Peter called Catherine a fool. The nobles at the gathering, even the whole country was stunned. This is important because the country began to favor and support Catherine. They felt sympathy for her because of the way her husband treated her (Rice 129-159). -
Peter's Death
On July 6, 1762, Peter the Great passed away. His death was "under strange circumstances" (Rice 129-159). They never found out exactly what happened to Peter, but with Empress Elizabeth and Peter both dead, Catherine became Empress of Russia. This is important because this is how Catherine came to power. If her husband had not passed away, Peter would have continued as emperor and Catherine would have never came to power (Rice 129-159). -
Coronation Day
Catherine was coronated on September 22.1762. After her husband's death, she was coronated as the Empress of Russia. She was coronated in the Cathedral of Annunciation in the city of Moscow. This is important because she was given her power on this day. If she not been coronated, she would not have been the leader and she would not have been able to do what she did as Empress (Rice 129-159). -
Westernization
Catherine the Great came to power after her husband passed away. He had began to westernize Russia, but Catherine attempted to continue his path of modernization. However, her attempts at breaking down state monopolies, creating a more efficient government, and the idea of greater freedom of speech were unsuccessful. This is significant because if her attempts had been successful, her reign may have made a bigger impact in Russian society, that we would still see today ("How did Catherine") -
St. Louis Settlement
In 1764, the settlement of St. Louis was established. This became the first permanent French settlement, after the British victory in the French and Indian War. This is important because it was France's first attempt at continuing colonization after their loss of the French and Indian War. This colony helped France to reestablish themselves and restore their previous power (Grun 353). -
Alliance with Prussia
On April 11, 1764, Catherine of Russia and Frederick II of Prussia signed something known as a defensive alliance. This alliance guaranteed Prussian control of Silesia, while Russia would gain Prussian support against Austria or the Ottoman Empire. This is important because this alliance helped Catherine to gain significant influence over Poland which contributed to her power. Also, Frederick supported Russia's financial needs in the Russo-Turkish War ("Frederick II of Prussia"). -
Legislative Commision
In June of 1767, Catherine created the Legislative Commision. She created this to revise old laws to modern standards. The Legislative Commision was made up of delegates from every level of society, except serfs. These meetings went on for about a year with no progress made. This is significant because Catherine suspended these meetings at the end of 1768. This shows that another attempt to modernize Russia had failed ("Catherine the Great"). -
Schooling for the Visually Impaired
In 1784, Paris' first school for the blind was opened. This is significant because it is expanding the amount of people who can go to school. Also, it provides a safe place for the visually impaired to go to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Lastly, it integrates people who are not handicapped in some way with people who are (Grun 365). -
Death
Catherine the Great died on November 6, 1796. It is said that she had suffered a stroke. She was found on her bathroom floor and had appeared to have been there for a long time. Her family was notified, everyone was heartbroken. However, her "illegitimate" son Paul was the only person not crying. This is important because this marked the end of Catherine's reign (Rice 129-159).
