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

2024-03-12T04:03:50.641Z

Highlights: Listen to the rest of the story of Catherine II, the greatest tsarina of the 18th century, told by Virginie Girod. Catherine was married to the future Tsar of Russia, Peter III. The royal couple does not have a good relationship. Pierre even insulted his wife as an idiot! This lack of respect is a signal. The sovereign could repudiate her to marry his mistress. Catherine prefers to act and set up a conspiracy: she builds friendships with the aristocrats dissatisfied with the tsar's policies as well as in the army.

Listen to the rest of the story of Catherine II, the greatest tsarina of the 18th century, told by Virginie Girod. Coming from Prussia, Catherine was married to the future Tsar of Russia, Peter III. The latter ascended the throne in 1762 and very quickly became unpopular. The royal couple does not have a good relationship. Pierre even insulted his wife as an idiot! This lack of respect is a signal. The sovereign could repudiate her to marry his mistress. Catherine prefers to act and set up a conspiracy: she builds friendships with the aristocrats dissatisfied with the tsar's policies as well as in the army. Acclaimed by the soldiers, the putschist tsarina went to Saint Petersburg where she was recognized by the clergy in the Kazan cathedral. She is then confirmed in her new role by the aristocracy at the Summer Palace and then takes the oath at the Winter Palace. Catherine II overthrew her own husband, and so easily! Peter III was placed under house arrest where he died a few days after his dismissal. Now alone at the head of Russia, the Empress sets about modernizing and expanding the country. If the reform to end serfdom failed, his conquests in the West were crowned with success. On a cultural level, it brought the Enlightenment to Russia. She maintained a correspondence with Voltaire and established privileged links with the Encyclopedist Diderot, shunned in Paris by Louis XV. She even received him for a year in her courtyard. Reformer, warrior and progressive, Catherine La Grande well deserves her epithet! Themes covered: Russia, Tsarist Empire, Catherine II, Enlightenment