"Lay me out, dressed in white, with a golden crown on my head. Inscribe my Christian name, Sophie." - Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great, also known as Catherine II, was born Sophie Friederike Auguste con Anhalf-Zerbst-Dornbrug in 1729, in what is known today as modern-day Germany - then known as Stettin, Prussia. She was the daughter of a minor German prince Christian August von Anhalt-Zerbst and her mother was related to the Duke of Holstein. Despite her privileged upbringing, Catherine experienced a strict and sheltered environment as a child. This did not stop her desire to make a name for herself; she spent much of her youth studying art, literature, and politics, and she even enjoyed sword training referring to herself as a "tomboy."
In 1744, at the age of 15, she was married off to Grand Duke Peter with the intent that their marriage would strengthen the bonds between Prussia and Russia while weakening the influence of Austria. Unfortunately, their marriage was not happy, with many describing Peter as "neurotic, nearly alcoholic, rebellious, and perhaps impotent." Peter became increasingly unpopular, eventually leading to Catherine initiating a Coup d'etat against him, resulting in Peter III's death.
In episode 22 of History Out of The Box, Cam and Jen discuss the life, rise to power, and death of Catherine the Great - Empress of Russia. Her 34-year reign led to a myriad of modernizations and westernizations in Russia, and she is remembered as one of Russia's most effective and influential rulers still to this day. During her reign, she expanded the country west and south by more than 200,000 square miles, she recognized 29 provinces, invested in many projects, and even founded the Russian town of Odessa on her dime. Despite her good deeds, her private life was rife with controversy, and by many accounts, she was considered egotistical and domineering. One thing is for sure; she had an incredible impact on Russia!
History Out of The Box strives to connect our listeners with the echoes of our collective past, discussing the good, the bad, and the ugly associated with famous historical figures.
