Catherine II of Russia (1729-1796), also known as Catherine the Great, was one of the best leaders in Russian history, ruling from 1762 to her death. A princess from an obscure but well-connected royal family, Catherine was chosen by Empress Elizabeth of Russia as a bride for her nephew and heir, Peter III.
Catherine and Peter were horribly mismatched; she was intellectual, ambitious, pensive, witty, and eager to become the Empress; Peter was pockmarked, immature, boorish, lacked common sense, scorned Russia, and adored Prussia (which earned him many detractors). Catherine, neglected by Peter, studied politics and philosophy while gaining allies for herself. In 1762, she led a coup d'état against Peter, who had become Emperor and was thoroughly disdained.
With Peter out of the way, Catherine set to work on improving and modernizing Russia. Under her, the empire expanded, improved administration, and was revitalized with her humanitarian ideals, although she was ruthless when threatened.
In July 1796, she suffered a stroke in her powder room and died in bed the following day.
Catherine and Peter were horribly mismatched; she was intellectual, ambitious, pensive, witty, and eager to become the Empress; Peter was pockmarked, immature, boorish, lacked common sense, scorned Russia, and adored Prussia (which earned him many detractors). Catherine, neglected by Peter, studied politics and philosophy while gaining allies for herself. In 1762, she led a coup d'état against Peter, who had become Emperor and was thoroughly disdained.
With Peter out of the way, Catherine set to work on improving and modernizing Russia. Under her, the empire expanded, improved administration, and was revitalized with her humanitarian ideals, although she was ruthless when threatened.
In July 1796, she suffered a stroke in her powder room and died in bed the following day.
Catherine the Great, while known for her romances, did not die during intercourse with a stallion; the French made this up to discredit a woman of power.
While Catherine had twelve lovers in her lifetime, this was tame for an aristocrat of that time.
The great love of Catherine's life was Prince Grigory Potemkin (1739-1791); he was her military leader and her equal intellectually, politically, and socially. She called him "My Tiger", "My Cossack", "My Golden Pheasant".
While Catherine had twelve lovers in her lifetime, this was tame for an aristocrat of that time.
The great love of Catherine's life was Prince Grigory Potemkin (1739-1791); he was her military leader and her equal intellectually, politically, and socially. She called him "My Tiger", "My Cossack", "My Golden Pheasant".
by Lorelili January 26, 2011
Get the Catherine the Greatmug. During sexual intercourse, the man proceeds to take 100% Canadian maple syrup and stick the bottle in his partners anus. Pouring the syrup inside, he then proceeds to slap his partners buttocks with fried pig bacon while constantly saying he is sorry
*Dude, how Canadian is Alex?* *So much that I heard heard he The Great Canadianed his girlfriend last night.*
by The asian invasion December 16, 2014
Get the The Great Canadianmug. A sarcastic phrase used when, upon being interested in something somebody has to say you find out immediately that their tale is utterly boring and going nowhere. Often affixed to the end of the phrase is the name of a local newspaper and the date in which everyone might be able to read said boring tale.
Aaron: "... and so yeah after that we uh went to...."
Gareth: "Great story mate, I'm sure I'll read about it in The Age tomorrow"
Gareth: "Great story mate, I'm sure I'll read about it in The Age tomorrow"
by thishappenedatgas June 29, 2011
Get the Great Storymug. To get someone to do something for you, making them feel obligated to do it because you have already thanked them for it. It really works! Try it.
by VindictiveAngel January 6, 2023
Get the Great, thanksmug. When your brother marries your great grandma
by Jimmy JuJu November 17, 2017
Get the great grandbrothermug. by Queen Buttrix June 12, 2015
Get the great buttmug. One who possesses magical powers and especially sandwich making skills. Commonly not bred for intelligence in the common sense department although very elusive in this area.
by rachaelandanna January 28, 2009
Get the The Great Frodinimug.