Catherine II The Great, Tsarina of All Russia [1/2]

2024-03-11T04:07:43.499Z

Highlights: In a new story in two parts, Virginie Girod takes you to meet the greatest Russian sovereign. Sophie Frédérique Augusta from Anhalt-Zerbst does not come from Russia. At barely 15 years old, she discovered the courts of Moscow and Saint Petersburg where her parents hoped to marry her to Peter of Holstein-Gottorp. Peter ascends the throne, but quickly becomes unpopular and uncontrollable. He also mistreats his wife. One evening, in the middle of dinner before the court, the Tsar dared to publicly call Catherine an idiot!

Catherine II of Russia took charge of her destiny and that of the largest country in Europe. She knew how to reform it, extend it and import the ideas of the Enlightenment. In a new story in two parts, Virginie Girod takes you to meet the greatest Russian sovereign. Sophie Frédérique Augusta from Anhalt-Zerbst does not come from Russia. The future tsarina was born in 1729 into the Prussian aristocracy. His mother is the sister of the King of Sweden. These advantageous family ties will allow him to find a good match to marry. In fragile health, Sophie nevertheless shines with her intelligence and devotion. At barely 15 years old, she discovered the courts of Moscow and Saint Petersburg where her parents hoped to marry her to Peter of Holstein-Gottorp, the heir of Tsarina Elizabeth I... and a notorious drunkard! Their union was celebrated in August 1745: Sophie converted to Orthodoxy and took the first name Catherine. She is fascinated by power games but the activities of the court bore her. The death of Elizabeth I changed the situation. Peter ascends the throne, but quickly becomes unpopular and uncontrollable. The new tsar did not forget his German origins and undertook to Germanize Russia. He also mistreats his wife. One evening, in the middle of dinner before the court, the Tsar dared to publicly call Catherine an idiot! Peter III will pay for this affront from his throne.