Catherine the Great was a Russian empress who is known for her ambitious reforms and her leadership during the Enlightenment period. Born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst in 1729, Catherine the Great was the daughter of a Prussian prince. She was chosen by Empress Elizabeth of Russia to marry her nephew, Grand Duke Peter, and become the future empress of Russia.

Catherine the Great became empress in 1762, following the assassination of her husband. She was a strong and ambitious leader, and immediately set about implementing her vision for Russia. She was a proponent of the Enlightenment, and sought to modernize and reform Russia in line with the principles of the Enlightenment.

Catherine the Great was instrumental in implementing several major reforms, including the creation of a legal code, the establishment of a national education system, and the expansion of Russia’s borders through military conquest. She was also known for her cultural achievements, and was a patron of the arts and literature.

Despite her many accomplishments, Catherine the Great faced several challenges during her reign. She was often criticized for her foreign policies, and her relationship with her son and successor, Paul, was strained. However, Catherine the Great’s legacy as a strong and ambitious leader who helped to modernize Russia remains intact. She is often considered one of the most influential figures in Russian history.