Many people know Catherine the Great as an “enlightened despot.” She was very interested in theories of government, in terms of how can you rule completely as an autocrat, but also take care of your citizens. All this while also balancing concern with Russian imperial expansion and maintaining Russian greatness compared to other European powers.
Pilot Lecture: Catherine the Great
Meet the Empress of All the Russias, and discover how she made the Russian Empire in the 18th century.
01: Catherine the Great
Explore the powerful legacy of Catherine the Great, who would extend the empire westward and accomplish what even Peter the Great had been unable to do: establish Russian dominance of the southern regions. You'll also learn how Catherine fueled Enlightenment-inspired developments in politics, architecture, and more.
23 min
Overview Course No. 90135
