Inspirational Quotes by Catherine II of Russia (Russian Empress)

Catherine II of Russia (1729–96,) known as Catherine the Great, was one of Russia’s most influential rulers, reigning from 1762 until her death.

Born in Stettin, Kingdom of Prussia (now Szczecin, Poland,) she married Peter III of Russia in 1745. Following his unpopular rule, she orchestrated a coup in 1762, taking the throne and ushering in expansion and reform.

Embracing Enlightenment ideals, Catherine modernized Russia’s administration, economy, and education system. She expanded the empire through military campaigns, annexing Crimea, parts of Poland, and Alaska. Her reign saw Russian arts and culture flourish, with new cities, universities, and theaters.

A prolific writer, she authored The Instruction (1767,) advocating legal reforms based on Enlightenment principles. Her memoir, Memoirs of Catherine the Great, provides insight into her life and governance. She corresponded with intellectuals such as Voltaire and Diderot, shaping Russia’s intellectual landscape.

Despite progressive policies, Catherine maintained serfdom, leading to social unrest. Her legacy remains complex—she expanded Russia’s influence while reinforcing autocratic rule. Aleksandr Bilbassov’s Geschichte Katharina II (1891–93,) later published in French (1900,) remains a key biography, though its final volume was banned in tsarist Russia. Simon Dixon’s Catherine the Great (2006) offers a scholarly analysis, while Robert K. Massie’s Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman (2011) provides an engaging account of her reign.

More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Catherine II of Russia