How did Catherine the Great change Russia

Question

Modernized and westernized
Reformed Russias economy
Founded the Kevan Rus
Expanded Russias territory

Answer 1

Catherine the Great, who ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796, is credited with a number of significant changes that transformed the Russian Empire during her reign. Here are the ways in which she impacted Russia:

1. Modernized and Westernized: Catherine was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas and sought to modernize Russia by reforming its institutions and culture. She promoted education, established the Smolny Institute, the first state-financed institution for girls in Europe, and supported the arts. Catherine corresponded with prominent Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Diderot, and she aimed to bring European ideals of governance and culture to Russia, promoting Western-style philosophy, literature, and art.

2. Reformed Russia's Economy: Catherine implemented a range of economic reforms that aimed to improve agricultural productivity and stimulate trade. She encouraged the cultivation of new crops, supported industrial enterprises, and sought to create a more structured tax system. Catherine’s policies helped to modernize the Russian economy and expand its commercial activities.

3. Expanded Russia's Territory: Under Catherine's rule, Russia significantly expanded its territory. She engaged in successful military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire, which resulted in the annexation of important territories in the Black Sea region, including Crimea in 1783. Additionally, she also pursued expansion into Siberia and the Far East, increasing Russia's presence and influence in those regions.

4. Emphasis on Governance and Legal Reforms: Catherine aimed to reform the Russian governance system to reflect Enlightenment principles, though with a focus on autocracy. She initiated the drafting of a new legal code, the Nakaz, which intended to improve the rights of serfs and provide a system of governance based on reason. However, the implementation of significant reforms faced resistance, and much of her vision remained unrealized.

Overall, Catherine the Great's reign marked a pivotal period of transformation for Russia, characterized by modernization, territorial expansion, and efforts to create a more educated and economically vibrant society.