Already during her life, at the state official level, she was called the Great and Mother of the Fatherland. Why and for what Catherine II was called "Great"?
Interesting fact: Ekaterinodar, Ekaterinoslav and a number of other cities, not only in Russia, were named in honor of Empress Catherine II. In general, about 140 new cities were founded under it.
Great everywhere
The title "Great" Catherine II received in 1767, and he was assigned to the ruler by the decision of the Stated Commission. Soon the empress wrote her answer to this decision, in which she mentioned that the next generations would judge her actions, and her duty was to take care of her subjects and love them.
During the reign of Catherine (and this is 34 years), Russia developed, reformed, strengthened gradually and steadily. On the world stage, she had to fight a lot and successfully. The influence and prestige of Catherine Russia in Europe were extremely strong. A diplomat of that era, Bezborodko, said that in his time not a single European gun dared to shoot without the permission of Russia.
Under Catherine, the army doubled - exceeding 300 thousand people. The fleet already numbered 67 battleships and more than 300 other ships. Huge territories were annexed, due to which the population of Russia increased by 7 million people.
Joined Crimea and the Northern Black Sea Region to the Russian Empire
The Crimean Khanate repeatedly raided Russian lands. Supported by Turkey, it led into slavery and destroyed.It was possible to stop these atrocities only by annexing Crimea and the Northern Black Sea Region to the Russian Empire. Only then did the nearby Russian lands get the opportunity to develop in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.
Interesting fact: Russia fought in that era repeatedly with Turkey, Prussia, Sweden. More than 70 victories of Russian weapons speak for themselves.
German princess
The German Princess Fike became a full-fledged Russian Tsarina Ekaterina Alekseevna. And then Empress Catherine the Second, whom the people called the Mother Intercessor. Her mind and heart are honored that she worked very hard and managed to become truly Russian. Both a woman and a ruler. Catherine was able to earn the respect of Empress Elizabeth, who praised and encouraged her more than once, rewarding her for her zeal and intelligence. A lot of people around the world and now think of her as a purely Russian Tsarina, forgetting about German roots.
Interesting fact: Catherine II considered herself Russian, and Russia her Motherland. She vowed to defend Russia until the end of her days by any possible and impossible means. And she kept her oath.
Wide range of interests
Perhaps, there is not a single industry in the life of the Russian and European community where Catherine the Great was not “noted”. Her areas of interest are an impressive list. Catherine was both a sovereign and a creator in the areas of:
- state, local government;
- estate device (estates were determined by analogy with European countries);
- health care, education (including women);
- economics, literature;
- journalism, drama.
At the same time, she was a loving and beloved Russian woman with a very difficult personal fate. Her "humanity" was manifested in everything that she did. For example, for the first time in Russia, social policy appeared at the state level. Charity Public Orders, the first shelters and orphanages, as well as cadet corps for orphaned nobles were created.
Not every ruler deserved and received such a prefix to his name. Catherine defeated her roots, defeated enemies both external and internal. The economy, the social sphere, foreign and domestic politics - everything was strengthened many times under this Empress. With her, a galaxy of great figures matured around her - Suvorov and Ushakov, Lomonosov and Potemkin, as well as many others. You can’t do so much for your country, leave such a mark in world history, but not become "Great."
