Catherine the Great Catherine the Great was unquestionably the most notorious Tsarina of all the female, Russian monarchs. With her undeniable intellect, and absolute power over all of Russia, she led the country to greatness. Attempting education, and modernization reforms, she strived for Russia to be established amongst the great empires of Europe. This woman worked hard for what she achieved, from taking her husband’s throne, to keeping control over peasant revolts, later in her life time. Catherine simply was one incredible, powerful, woman. Born to the name Sophie Friederike Auguste, in Stettin, Pomerania, she was originally a Princess from the Germanic states of Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg. Her Father, Christian August, was within the ruling family of Anhalt, and was classified as a Prussian general, saying as that he was also Governor of the city of Stettin. Her Mother, Joanna Elizabeth, on the other hand had been born a Princess of the House of Holstein-Gottorp. Her Mother had really never paid much attention to her daughter, due to her longing for her birth home in Brunswick. During her childhood, her family had definitely not been the richest of all monarch families. Though, like most other royalty, she got a good education, being taught by a French instructor, along with several tutors. Even Catherine claimed that her childhood went without incident. “I see nothing of interest in it.”1 She wrote, to a man who was that of a pen pal to her, Baron Grimm. When her life really took a turn for the more fascinating was when she was brought to Russia by the Empress Elizabeth, to be married to Paul III, whom was next in line for the Russian throne. After converting to the Eastern Orthodox Church, she married Peter. This is also the time she went to changing her name to suit the church, that name being, Catherine. Although she did not like her husband very much, she tried her hardest to gain the love, and trust of Russia. Coming to the country in her teenage years, she strived to get closer to not only the Empress Elizabeth, her husband, and the Russian population. Sophie strived to learn Russian, and she was so determined in studying the language that she was known to have stayed up at night, pacing her chambers, and reciting Russian vocabulary. Unfortunately, due to this, she contracted a severe case of pneumonia in March 1744. Sophie believed in her heart, that she must do what was compulsory, to win over Russia, and become the sole crown ruler. Her Mother and Father, tended to not agree with most of the things their daughter did while in the process of earning her right as Empress. Namely, with her Father, he did not agree with her changing religion, considering that he was committed to the German Lutheran Church. Saying as that she disobeyed him, and converted anyway, he hadn’t bothered to come to Catherine, and Peters wedding, which took place in August 21, 1745. Catherine’s Mother, who already did not take much of a liking to her daughter, disagreed with a certain treatment Catherine received while ill. Instead of wanting them to treat her, she asked for her to confess to a Lutheran Priest. Not to mention, her Mother was really never in the good graces of Catherine’s role model, Empress Elizabeth. Joanna had actually done some espionage work for Frederick II of Prussia, which turn, had her kicked out of Russia. Once Peter and Catherine were married, they moved to the palace of Oranienbaum, and settled there, the place where they would live for many more years, though, not quite as happily as you’d think. Now, Peter, and Catherine, despite their marriage, did not get along very well. Peter was more interested in war, while Catherine wanted to have children, and create a new heir to the throne. It wasn’t until October 1, 1754, that she gave birth to her first child, Paul I of Russia. Peter showed a lack of interest when it came to Catherine, and she became tired of him. He was obnoxious, and