Catherine the Great, who reigned from 1762 to 1796, had a profound impact on Russia, enacting changes that modernized and westernized the country. Here are some of the key ways she changed Russia:
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Modernization and Westernization: Catherine was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and sought to adopt Western practices in governance, culture, and education. She established schools and encouraged the arts, literature, and sciences, promoting a more European-style culture in Russia.
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Economic Reforms: Catherine implemented various economic reforms aimed at improving agricultural productivity and increasing trade. She introduced measures to boost industry and commerce, including the establishment of new towns and the fostering of private enterprise.
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Territorial Expansion: Catherine presided over significant territorial expansion, successfully acquiring territories through wars and treaties. Notable expansions included parts of Poland (through the partitions of Poland) and the Crimean Peninsula, which enhanced Russia's influence in Europe and the Black Sea region.
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Legal and Administrative Reforms: Catherine worked to reform the legal system, aiming to create a more efficient and rational governance structure. She initiated the "Nakaz" (Instruction), a document that laid out her vision for the governance of the Russian Empire, emphasizing principles of justice, tolerance, and the rule of law.
In summary, Catherine the Great's reign marked a significant period of modernization, expansion, and reform, shaping Russia into a more powerful and progressive state, albeit while maintaining her autocratic rule.
It’s important to note that Catherine did not found the Kievan Rus; Kievan Rus was an early medieval state that existed centuries before her reign and laid the groundwork for the emergence of modern Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
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