Catherine 2's married name. List of all men of Catherine II the Great

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Introduction

Access to the monarch is not always given to people who deserve it. A favorite, a temporary worker, simply a clever and unprincipled person, taking advantage of the trust of the sovereign, begins to announce decrees and resolutions on his behalf. Arbitrariness, covetousness, immorality and servility are flourishing. The favorites do not care about the interests of the state; for them there are only own desires. State affairs are abandoned, the treasury is plundered, unworthy people are appointed to important positions, and those who managed to serve the favorite are appointed. Thus, the monarch is separated from his government...

Catherine's accession to the throne has much in common with Elizabeth's accession to the throne in 1741. Catherine's policy was national and favorable to the nobility. Elizabeth's government was distinguished by its rationality, humanity, and reverence for the memory of Peter the Great, but it did not have its own program and acted according to Peter's principles.

The government of Catherine, an intelligent, talented empress, used old models of government, but also led the state forward along own program, which acquired little by little according to the instructions of practice and abstract theories adopted by the empress. In this, Catherine was the opposite of her predecessor. Under her there was a system in management, and therefore random persons, favorites, had less impact on the course of state affairs than under Elizabeth, although Catherine’s favorites were very noticeable not only by their activity and power of influence, but even by their whims and abuses.

1. Favorites of Catherine II

Here is a list of famous favorites of Catherine II

This list was compiled by the Russian historian, specialist in the Catherine era, Ya. L. Barskov.

1. 1752-1754 S. V. Saltykov. Diplomat. Envoy in Hamburg, Paris, Dresden. S. V. Saltykov’s first assignment was a mission to Stockholm with the news of the birth of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich, whose father, according to legend, is himself.

2. 1756-1758 S. Poniatovsky. Polish-Saxon ambassador to Russia. With the help of Catherine and with the support of the Prussian king Frederick II, he became king of Poland in 1764. During all the years of his reign, he focused his policies on Russia. Which was one of the reasons for his abdication from the throne in 1795.

3. 1761-1772 G. G. Orlov was the grandson of the rebel archer, pardoned by Peter the Great for fearlessness. The most active participant in the palace coup in 1762. Grigory Orlov, as a favorite, received the rank of senator, count, and adjutant general. Played a significant role in the creation of Volny economic society. He was its president. In 1771 he led the suppression of the “plague riot” in Moscow. From 1772, he lost his influence at court and retired in 1775. Potemkin handed Orlov an imperial decree, which ordered him to live in Gatchina under guard without a break until special new orders from the empress.

4. 1772-1774 A.S. Vasilchiko. Poor officer. Catherine granted the titles: count, chamberlain. He received the title of Knight of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky and became the owner of huge estates and hundreds of thousands of peasant souls. He was expelled from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

5. 1774-1776 G.A. Potemkin - the son of a Smolensk nobleman, in 1762. among the conspirators, after which he becomes a second lieutenant of the guard. Participates in the Russian-Turkish War (1768-1774) and receives the rank of general. Then vice-president of the Military Collegium, count, field marshal general, chief of regular troops. The empress's closest assistant in pursuing the policy of strengthening the absolutist state and forming the Starodub povet system began his career in the post of the secret "enlightened monarchy." Organizer of the suppression of the Pugachev rebellion and initiator of the liquidation of the Zaporozhye Sich. He had enormous power, being the governor of Novorossiysk, Azov, Astrakhan provinces, prince of the Holy Roman Empire, His Serene Highness Prince of Tauride (he received this title for the annexation of Crimea to Russia in 1783). He contributed to the development of the northern Black Sea region, the construction of Kherson, Nikolaev and Sevastopol, Yekaterinoslav. He was the organizer of the construction of military and merchant fleets on the Black Sea. A major diplomat.

6. 1776-1777 P.V. Zavadovsky. The son of a Cossack of the office at the headquarters of P.A. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky during the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774. He was introduced to the empress as the author of dispatches and reports on the affairs of Little Russia. Zavadovsky’s rise went so quickly that he was even seen as Potemkin’s rival. Although he was not a favorite for long, this ensured his high-ranking and bureaucratic career. Zavadovsky managed the Noble and Assignation banks and was the director of the Corps of Pages. And with the establishment of ministries in 1802, he became the Minister of Public Education.

7. 1777-1778 S.G. Zorich Nephew of the midwife who poisoned Catherine's daughter-in-law. He was an empty-headed, flighty spendthrift and gambler. However, he was not faithful to Catherine. He was sent from St. Petersburg to Crimea, to Potemkin.

9. 1780-1784 HELL. Lanskoy. This is the only one of the favorites who did not interfere in politics and refused influence, ranks, and orders, although Catherine forced him to accept from her the title of count, vast lands, tens of thousands of peasants and the rank of adjutant. Catherine wanted to marry him and announced this to Panin and Potemkin. In 1784 he was poisoned by order of Potemkin.

10. 1785-1786 A.P. Ermolov. Officer, Potemkin's adjutant, outbuilding adjutant. He received 100 thousand rubles and was expelled from St. Petersburg, like all temporary favorites.

11. 1786-1789 A.M. Mamonov. Officer, Potemkin's adjutant. Gained enormous influence on the internal and foreign policy. Was awarded the order Alexander Nevsky, showered with hundreds of thousands of diamonds, two highest Polish orders.

12. 1789-1796 P.A. Zubov. The last favorite of Catherine II. He did not show himself in any way in the post of Governor-General of Novorossiya and in the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Black Sea Fleet. The Empress gave him huge estates and granted him the title of His Serene Highness.

From now on, favoritism became a government institution in Russia, as in France under Louis XIV, XV, and the favorites, living with the empress, were recognized as people who served the fatherland and the throne.

Firstly, many of them were capable people, like Panin, Potemkin, Bezborodko, Zorich. Secondly, they delighted their empress’s leisure time, giving her strength for new labors. This is how Catherine herself looked at the matter.

English envoy Harris and Custer, famous historian, calculated how much the favorites of Catherine II cost Russia. They received more than 100 million rubles from her in cash. Considering the Russian budget of that time, which did not exceed 80 million a year, this was a huge amount. The cost of the lands belonging to the favorites was no less enormous. In addition, the gifts included peasants, palaces, a lot of jewelry, and dishes.

In general, favoritism in Russia was considered natural disaster, which ruined the entire country and hampered its development. Money that should have gone to the education of the people, the development of art, crafts and industry, to the opening of schools, went to the personal pleasures of the favorites and floated into their bottomless pockets.

2. Historical portrait aboutone of Catherine II's favorites

favorite Ekaterina Panin Potemkin

Count Nikita Ivanovich Panin (1718-1783).

A man of true intelligence and honesty -

Above the morals of this century!

Your services to the Fatherland cannot be forgotten.

D. Fonvizin.

Among the famous people who glorified the “age of Catherine,” one of the first places, of course, belongs to Nikita Ivanovich Panin, a man “outstanding for his abilities and education.” For twenty years he was in charge foreign policy Russia - “the most brilliant side of Catherine’s state activity.”

“There was not a single matter related to the integrity and security of the empire that would have bypassed his proceedings or advice.... In matters concerning the good of the state, neither promises nor threats could shake it,” wrote his colleague and friend, famous writer D.I. Fonvizin, “nothing in the world could force him to offer his opinion, against his inner feelings.”

He believed, and not without reason, that in his knowledge, experience and analytical skills he was superior not only to Catherine II, but also to most of the people from her immediate circle. Naturally, therefore, Panin considered himself entitled to instruct the empress and achieve the implementation of his political ideas. This suited her for now - the glory of the transformer would still go to the sovereign!

Panin's authority was so high that many foreign diplomats saw him as one of the leaders of the conspiracy. The Austrian ambassador, Count Mercy d'Argenteau, reported: “The main instrument for the elevation of Catherine to the throne was Panin.” French de Breteuil “Apart from Panin, who rather has the habit of a certain kind of work than great means and knowledge, this empress has no one who would could help her in management and in achieving greatness..."

Panin on October 4, 1763 became a senior member of the Foreign Collegium; in October, after Bestuzhev’s final removal from affairs, management of the board’s affairs was transferred to him. Without being officially appointed chancellor, he was placed, in fact, above the vice-chancellor, Prince D.M. Golitsyn and for almost two decades remained the main adviser to Catherine II and the head of Russian foreign policy. When Panin took office as a senior member of the Collegium of Foreign Affairs, the institution was relatively small. There were about 260 employees, of which 25 were in Moscow. Panin knew his “cadres” very well, valued them and, perhaps, was even proud of them.

In St. Petersburg, foreign policy issues under Panin were resolved according to a well-functioning scheme. Nikita Ivanovich received correspondence from abroad and carefully studied it. Having selected the most important, he wrote his comments and suggestions in the margins and sent it all to the empress. Catherine looked through the papers and immediately approved them. Then the collegium drew up a rescript to send to the ambassador or other official documents, which the empress approved in the same manner. Sometimes Panin, “to gain time,” did not send papers for approval to the Empress again at all. The Empress conducted diplomatic correspondence or negotiations in agreement with Panin.

Panin becomes the empress's chief adviser. Not a single important issue of foreign and domestic policy cannot now be decided without his participation: “Everything is done by the will of the Empress and digested by Mr. Panin,” reports E.R. Dashkova to his brother in Holland. “At this time, Catherine firmly believed in Panin’s diplomatic talents,” testifies V. Klyuchevsky.

One of Panin's contemporaries, observing the state of affairs in Russia, came to a paradoxical conclusion: " Russian state has the advantage over others that it is controlled directly by God himself - otherwise it is impossible to explain to yourself how it can exist." Many people thought about how to correct this situation. Panin also thought about this. And he decided to start with the fact that he It seemed the most important thing was the reorganization of the public administration system.

IN Russian Empire, Panin reasoned, as in any monarchy, the legislative power is confined to the person of the sovereign. Subordinate to him is the government (Senate), which governs the state in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Adjacent to the Senate are collegiums in charge of state affairs, each in its own area. Such a system, although it was created by Peter the Great following the example of Sweden, is far from perfect.

The monarch, Panin believed, no matter how intelligent and enlightened he may be, is not able to establish laws and decide other matters alone. If necessary, he will rely on the help of people close to him. This is where all the troubles begin.

And Panin proposes to establish an official and permanent body that would provide assistance to the monarch in legislative activities - the Imperial Council. He developed this idea in detail and even prepared a manifesto on the establishment of the Council - the Empress only had to sign it.

Proving its necessity, Panin bright colors the absence of basic laws in Russia is depicted, where everyone “out of arbitrariness and the credit of intrigue grabbed and appropriated state affairs.”

On December 28, 1762, Catherine II, yielding to Panin’s insistence, signed a manifesto on the creation of the Imperial Council, but the signature under it turned out to be torn, and it did not come into force. Only a decree was signed dividing the Senate into departments.

Having taken foreign policy into his own hands, Nikita Ivanovich quickly became not only its formal, but also its actual leader. Development of foreign policy - studying the situation, thinking about further steps, preparing detailed instructions for Russian representatives abroad - all this was concentrated in the hands of Panin.

First of all, he had to solve the Polish question. After the death of Augustus III, Catherine, in her instructions to her agents, set the task of seeking the election to the Polish throne of Stanislav Poniatowski, a king “who would be useful to the interests of the empire, who, apart from us, could not have any hope of achieving this dignity.” After the Sejm decided to nominate only Poles as candidates, the foreign ambassadors - French, Austrian, Spanish and Saxon - left Warsaw in protest. On August 26, 1764, the Coronation Diet in a calm atmosphere elected the steward of the Lithuanian Count Stanislav Poniatowski as king. Panin had every reason to be pleased. Russia achieved the election of its candidate to the Polish throne, and in such a way that calm was maintained in Poland and other European powers took this event for granted. His, Panina, external began to take shape politic system. It was based on the idea of creating the Northern Union. Panin believed that the pro-French coalition should have been opposed by an alliance of northern powers: Russia, Prussia, England, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. However, Panin alone cannot be considered the author of this program. In February 1764, Baron Y.A. Korf presented Catherine with a corresponding project on the Northern Union. Panin appreciated these ideas, took them into service, and since then the concept of the Northern Union (Northern System) has been associated mainly with his name. The draft includes the concepts of “active” and “passive” powers (on the part of the “passive” it was supposed to be content with their neutrality; Panin considered “active” powers to be those that could decide to enter into direct open struggle with the countries of the southern union: Panin considered Russia to be among the former, England, Prussia, and partly Denmark; “passive” meant Poland, Sweden and other countries that could be brought into the union).

Nikita Ivanovich Panin hoped, with the help of the Northern system, to strengthen Russia’s influence in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Sweden, as well as in Turkey, and to shift to the allies part of the costs of combating French influence in these countries. Using the words of Panin himself, it was necessary “to once and for all, through a system, take Russia out of constant dependence and place it, through the method of a common Northern Union, at such a level that, just as it has a notable part of the leadership in general affairs, it can also inviolably maintain peace and quiet in the north.” .

Thanks to the idea of the Northern Union, Russia's foreign policy acquired a programmatic character. Actions taken in individual countries were linked into a single whole. The first serious step in creating the Northern System can be considered the conclusion of an alliance treaty between Russia and Prussia in 1764. When Russia needed Active participation Prussia in Polish affairs, the treaty was signed. The alliance with Prussia allowed St. Petersburg to influence Polish affairs, contain Turkey, “take precedence in the north” and “play the first role in Europe ... without great expense on the part of Russia.” Negotiations with Denmark turned out to be relatively easy for Panin. Nikita Ivanovich insisted that in the secret articles of the treaty Denmark undertake to help Russia against Turkey and counter French influence in Sweden. In return, Denmark received the Holstein possessions of Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich. In February 1765, the treaty was signed. Then Panin took energetic steps to persuade the London cabinet to sign the union agreement. But he only managed to conclude a trade agreement (1766). To stop the successful activities of Russian diplomacy, Austria and France resorted to the assistance of Turkey.

Türkiye declared war on Russia at the end of 1768. Friendly relations with Prussia, Denmark and England, that is, that part of the Northern System that was created by the beginning of the war, allowed Panin not to worry about the northern borders and concentrate entirely on the Turkish problem. Already in 1770, under the impression of the defeats it had suffered, Turkey turned to Prussia and Austria with a request for mediation in peace negotiations with Russia. In St. Petersburg they wanted to end the war as soon as possible. To successfully end the war, not only military efforts were required, but no less diplomatic ones. The reason for the outbreak of war was the unrest in Poland. Events developed in such a way that Polish affairs were closely intertwined with Turkish affairs, and they had to be resolved comprehensively. After Austria entered into a defensive alliance with Turkey in the summer of 1771, the government of Catherine II was forced to partition Poland. The issue of participation in the division was resolved between Catherine and Panin even before its discussion at the State Council. On May 16, 1771, Nikita Ivanovich “disclosed” the proposal of the Prussian king to the members of the Council. “By agreeing to partition, Russia received a triple win,” says Panin’s biographer A.V. Gavryushkin. “Firstly, a secure border with Poland. Secondly, as Panin said at the council, calming down the “Polish confusion” and, accordingly, the opportunity to withdraw, finally, from this country its troops. And, thirdly, the neutralization of Austria in the issue of the Russian-Turkish war. The Convention on the Polish question between Russia and Prussia was signed on February 6, 1772 and ratified on March 4. Panin proposed putting down other dates: signing - January 4 and ratification - February 4. Thanks to this, in the negotiations that began with the Austrians, the convention could be referred to as a fait accompli and, accordingly, deprive them of the opportunity to propose changes to its content.The trick was a success, because as soon as the discussion of the details of the agreement began , Frederick II and Kaunitz clashed over the size of the territories being captured, and Panin had to constantly urge his partners to show restraint.

In August 1772, a final agreement was already reached, sealed in three bilateral acts between Russia, Austria and Prussia. Russia received the Polish part of Livonia and part of Eastern Belarus, which at one time was torn away from Russian lands by the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. In the war with Turkey, Russian troops and navy won a number of brilliant victories, forcing the Turks to agree to peace, which was formalized in 1774 in Kuchuk-Kaynarji. Russia gained access to the Black Sea... On September 20, 1772, Grand Duke Pavel Petrovich turned 18 years old. Panin's responsibilities as a teacher ended here.

Conclusion

The favorites played an important role in the fate of Russia, influencing empresses and emperors; they skillfully carried out their plans regarding the foreign and domestic policies of the state. Sometimes the emperor's face was just a mask ruling the country favorite.

References

1. Palace coups of Russia 1725-1825, Phoenix, 1998

2. History of the Russian State: Lives of the 18th century, M., Book Chamber, 1996

3. Lesin V.I., Rebels and Wars, 1997

4. Obolensky G.L., The Age of Catherine the Great. Russian word, 2001

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Origin and childhood of Catherine

The future empress was born on May 2 (new style - April 21), 1729 in Stettin. She was the daughter of Prince Anhalt-Zerbst, who was in Prussian service, and Princess Johanna Elisabeth. The future empress was related to the English, Prussian and Swedish royal houses. She received her education at home: she studied French and German languages, music, theology, geography, history, and danced. Expanding on such a topic as the biography of Catherine the Great, we note that the independent character of the future empress appeared already in childhood. She was a persistent, inquisitive child and had a penchant for active, lively games.

Catherine's baptism and wedding

In 1744, Catherine and her mother were summoned by Empress Elizaveta Petrovna to Russia. Here she was baptized Orthodox custom. Ekaterina Alekseevna became the bride of Peter Fedorovich, the Grand Duke (in the future - Emperor Peter III). She married him in 1745.

Hobbies of the Empress

Catherine wanted to win the favor of her husband, the Empress and the Russian people. Her personal life, however, was unsuccessful. Since Peter was infantile, there was no marital relationship between them for several years of marriage. Catherine was fond of reading works on jurisprudence, history and economics, as well as French educators. Her worldview was shaped by all these books. The future empress became a supporter of the ideas of the Enlightenment. She was also interested in the traditions, customs and history of Russia.

Personal life of Catherine II

Today we know quite a lot about such an important historical figure as Catherine the Great: biography, her children, personal life- all this is the object of study by historians and the interest of many of our compatriots. We first meet this empress at school. However, what we learn in history lessons is far from complete information about such an empress as Catherine the Great. The biography (4th grade) from the school textbook omits, for example, her personal life.

Catherine II began an affair with S.V. in the early 1750s. Saltykov, guards officer. She gave birth to a son in 1754, the future Emperor Paul I. However, rumors that his father was Saltykov are unfounded. In the second half of the 1750s, Catherine had an affair with S. Poniatowski, a Polish diplomat who later became King Stanislav August. Also in the early 1760s - with G.G. Orlov. The Empress gave birth to his son Alexei in 1762, who received the surname Bobrinsky. As relations with her husband deteriorated, Catherine began to fear for her fate and began to recruit supporters at court. Her sincere love for her homeland, her prudence and ostentatious piety - all this contrasted with the behavior of her husband, which allowed the future empress to gain authority among the population of St. Petersburg and the high society of the capital.

Proclamation of Catherine as Empress

Catherine's relationship with her husband continued to deteriorate during the 6 months of his reign, eventually becoming hostile. Peter III openly appeared in the company of his mistress E.R. Vorontsova. There was a threat of Catherine's arrest and possible deportation. The future empress carefully prepared the plot. She was supported by N.I. Panin, E.R. Dashkova, K.G. Razumovsky, the Orlov brothers, etc. One night, from June 27 to 28, 1762, when Peter III was in Oranienbaum, Catherine secretly arrived in St. Petersburg. She was proclaimed an autocratic empress in the barracks of the Izmailovsky regiment. Other regiments soon joined the rebels. The news of the empress's accession to the throne quickly spread throughout the city. The residents of St. Petersburg greeted her with delight. Messengers were sent to Kronstadt and the army to prevent the actions of Peter III. Having learned about what had happened, he began to send proposals for negotiations to Catherine, but she rejected them. The Empress personally set out for St. Petersburg, leading the guards regiments, and on the way received a written abdication of the throne by Peter III.

Personality and character of Catherine II

Not only the biography of Catherine the Great is interesting, but also her personality and character, which left an imprint on her domestic and foreign policy. Catherine II was a subtle psychologist and an excellent judge of people. The Empress skillfully chose assistants, while not being afraid of talented and bright personalities. Catherine's time was therefore marked by the appearance of many outstanding statesmen, as well as generals, musicians, artists, writers. Catherine was usually reserved, tactful, and patient in dealing with her subjects. She was an excellent conversationalist and could listen carefully to anyone. By the empress’s own admission, she did not have a creative mind, but she caught worthwhile thoughts and knew how to use them for her own purposes.

There were almost no noisy resignations during the reign of this empress. The nobles were not subject to disgrace; they were not exiled or executed. Because of this, the reign of Catherine is considered the “golden age” of the nobility in Russia. The Empress, at the same time, was very vain and valued her power more than anything in the world. She was ready to make any compromises to preserve it, including to the detriment of her own convictions.

Religiosity of the Empress

This empress was distinguished by her ostentatious piety. She considered herself the protector of the Orthodox Church and its head. Catherine skillfully used religion for political interests. Apparently her faith was not very deep. The biography of Catherine the Great is noted for the fact that she preached religious tolerance in the spirit of the times. It was under this empress that the persecution of the Old Believers was stopped. Protestant and Catholic churches and mosques were built. Nevertheless, conversion to another faith from Orthodoxy was still severely punished.

Catherine - opponent of serfdom

Catherine the Great, whose biography interests us, was an ardent opponent of serfdom. She considered it contrary to human nature and inhumane. Many harsh statements on this issue were preserved in her papers. Also in them you can find her thoughts on how serfdom can be eliminated. Nevertheless, the empress did not dare to do anything concrete in this area for fear of another coup and noble rebellion. Catherine, at the same time, was convinced that Russian peasants were spiritually undeveloped, therefore there was a danger in granting them freedom. According to the empress, the life of the peasants is quite prosperous under caring landowners.

First reforms

When Catherine ascended the throne, she already had a fairly definite political program. It was based on the ideas of the Enlightenment and took into account the peculiarities of the development of Russia. Consistency, gradualism and consideration of public sentiment were the main principles of the implementation of this program. In the first years of her reign, Catherine II carried out a reform of the Senate (in 1763). His work became more efficient as a result. The following year, 1764, Catherine the Great carried out the secularization of church lands. Biography for the children of this empress, presented on the pages school textbooks, be sure to introduce schoolchildren to this fact. Secularization significantly replenished the treasury and also alleviated the situation of many peasants. Catherine in Ukraine abolished the hetmanate in accordance with the need to unify local government throughout the state. In addition, she invited German colonists to the Russian Empire to develop the Black Sea and Volga regions.

Foundation of educational institutions and the new Code

During these same years, a number of educational institutions was founded, including for women (the first in Russia) - the Catherine School, the Smolny Institute. In 1767, the Empress announced that a special commission was being convened to create a new Code. It consisted of elected deputies, representatives of all social groups of society, except serfs. For the commission, Catherine wrote “Instructions,” which is, in essence, a liberal program for the reign of this empress. However, her calls were not understood by the deputies. They argued over the smallest issues. Deep contradictions between social groups emerged during these discussions, as well as low level many deputies political culture and the conservatism of most of them. The established commission was dissolved at the end of 1768. The Empress assessed this experience as an important lesson, which introduced her to the sentiments of various segments of the state's population.

Development of legislative acts

After the Russian-Turkish war, which lasted from 1768 to 1774, ended, and the Pugachev uprising was suppressed, the new stage Catherine's reforms. The Empress herself began to develop the most important legislative acts. In particular, a manifesto was published in 1775, according to which it was allowed to establish any industrial enterprises. Also this year, a provincial reform was carried out, as a result of which a new administrative division of the empire was established. It survived until 1917.

Expanding on the topic “Brief biography of Catherine the Great,” we note that in 1785 the Empress issued the most important legislative acts. These were letters of grant to cities and nobility. A letter was also prepared for state peasants, but political circumstances did not allow it to be put into effect. The main significance of these letters was associated with the implementation of the main goal of Catherine’s reforms - the creation of full-fledged estates in the empire on the model of Western Europe. The diploma meant for the Russian nobility the legal consolidation of almost all the privileges and rights that they had.

The last and unimplemented reforms proposed by Catherine the Great

Biography ( summary) of the empress we are interested in is marked by the fact that she carried out various reforms until her death. For example, education reform continued into the 1780s. Catherine the Great, whose biography is presented in this article, created a network of school institutions in cities based on the classroom system. In the last years of her life, the Empress continued to plan major changes. The reform of the central government was scheduled for 1797, as well as the introduction of legislation in the country on the order of succession to the throne, the creation of a higher court based on representation from the 3 estates. However, Catherine II the Great did not have time to complete the extensive reform program. Her short biography, however, would be incomplete if we did not mention all this. In general, all these reforms were a continuation of the transformations begun by Peter I.

Catherine's foreign policy

What else is interesting about the biography of Catherine 2 the Great? The Empress, following Peter, believed that Russia should be active on the world stage and pursue an offensive policy, even to some extent aggressive. After her accession to the throne, she broke the alliance treaty with Prussia concluded by Peter III. Thanks to the efforts of this empress, it was possible to restore Duke E.I. Biron on the Courland throne. Supported by Prussia, in 1763 Russia achieved the election of Stanislav August Poniatowski, its protege, to the Polish throne. This, in turn, led to a deterioration in relations with Austria due to the fact that it feared the strengthening of Russia and began to incite Turkey to war with it. In general, the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774 was successful for Russia, but the difficult situation within the country prompted it to seek peace. And for this it was necessary to restore previous relations with Austria. Eventually a compromise was reached. Poland fell victim to it: its first division was carried out in 1772 by Russia, Austria and Prussia.

The Kyuchuk-Kainardzhi Peace Treaty was signed with Turkey, which ensured the independence of Crimea, beneficial for Russia. Empire in the war between England and the colonies North America took neutrality. Catherine refused to help the English king with troops. A number of European states joined the Declaration of Armed Neutrality, created on Panin’s initiative. This contributed to the victory of the colonists. In subsequent years, the position of our country in the Caucasus and Crimea was strengthened, which ended with the inclusion of the latter into the Russian Empire in 1782, as well as the signing of the Treaty of Georgievsk with Irakli II, the Kartli-Kakheti king, the following year. This ensured the presence of Russian troops in Georgia, and then the annexation of its territory to Russia.

Strengthening authority in the international arena

The new foreign policy doctrine of the Russian government was formed in the 1770s. It was a Greek project. The main goal it was restoration Byzantine Empire and the announcement of Prince Konstantin Pavlovich, who was the grandson of Catherine II, as emperor. In 1779, Russia significantly strengthened its authority in the international arena by participating as a mediator between Prussia and Austria in the Teschen Congress. The biography of Empress Catherine the Great can also be supplemented by the fact that in 1787, accompanied by the court, the Polish king, the Austrian emperor and foreign diplomats, she traveled to Crimea. It became a demonstration of Russia's military power.

Wars with Turkey and Sweden, further divisions of Poland

The biography of Catherine 2 the Great continued with the fact that she started a new Russian-Turkish war. Russia now acted in alliance with Austria. Almost at the same time, the war with Sweden also began (from 1788 to 1790), which tried to take revenge after the defeat in Northern War. The Russian Empire managed to cope with both of these opponents. In 1791 the war with Turkey ended. The Peace of Jassy was signed in 1792. He consolidated Russia's influence in Transcaucasia and Bessarabia, as well as the annexation of Crimea to it. The 2nd and 3rd partitions of Poland took place in 1793 and 1795 respectively. They put an end to Polish statehood.

Empress Catherine the Great, short biography whom we examined, died on November 17 (old style - November 6), 1796 in St. Petersburg. So significant is her contribution to Russian history that the memory of Catherine II is preserved by many works of domestic and world culture, including the works of such great writers as N.V. Gogol, A.S. Pushkin, B. Shaw, V. Pikul and others. The life of Catherine the Great, her biography inspired many directors - creators of such films as "The Caprice of Catherine II", "The Tsar's Hunt", "Young Catherine", "Dreams of Russia", " Russian revolt" and others.

Ekaterina Alekseevna Romanova (Catherine II the Great)
Sophia Augusta Frederica, Princess, Duchess of Anhalt-Zerb.
Years of life: 04/21/1729 - 11/6/1796
Russian Empress (1762 – 1796)

Daughter of Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Princess Johanna Elisabeth.

Born April 21 (May 2), 1729 in Schettin. Her father, Prince Christian Augustus of Anhalt-Zerb, served the Prussian king, but his family was considered impoverished. Sophia Augusta's mother was the sister of King Adolf Frederick of Sweden. Other relatives of the mother of the future Empress Catherine ruled Prussia and England. Sofia Augusta, (family nickname - Fike) was the eldest daughter in the family. She was educated at home.

In 1739, 10-year-old Princess Fike was introduced to her future husband, heir to the Russian throne Karl Peter Ulrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, who was the nephew of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich Romanov. The heir to the Russian throne made a negative impression on high Prussian society, showing himself to be ill-mannered and narcissistic.

In 1778, she composed the following epitaph for herself:

Having ascended to the Russian throne, she wished well

And she strongly wanted to give her subjects Happiness, Freedom and Prosperity.

She easily forgave and did not deprive anyone of their freedom.

She was lenient, didn't make life difficult for herself, and had a cheerful disposition.

She had a republican soul and a kind heart. She had friends.

Work was easy for her, friendship and the arts brought her joy.

Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin (according to some sources)

Anna Petrovna

Alexey Grigorievich Bobrinsky

Elizaveta Grigorievna Tyomkina

IN late XIX century, collected works published Catherine II in 12 volumes, which included children's moral tales written by the empress, pedagogical teachings, dramatic plays, articles, autobiographical notes, translations.

The reign of Ekaterina Alekseevna is often considered the “golden age” of the Russian Empire. Thanks to her reform activities, she is the only Russian ruler who, like Peter I, was awarded the epithet “Great” in the historical memory of her compatriots.

Over the past year, interest in the era Empress Catherine II has grown significantly. This is largely due to the fact that two leading federal television channels created and showed series about the life of the Empress.

True, in both cases the story ended with the accession of Catherine II to the throne. And if the future life of the empress herself and the sad fate of her deposed husband are told quite often, then less is known about the fate of those who were close to Catherine at the time of her rise to power. So what happened to them next?

Grigory Orlov

Catherine's favorite, who played a big role in her accession to the throne, was promoted to major general on the day of the coup. He was also awarded the title of actual chamberlain, the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky and a sword richly decorated with diamonds.

He remained close to the empress for 12 years, and Catherine even thought about marrying him. To the great regret of the empress, her lover, who distinguished himself by courage, bravery and diligence, could not boast of education and a broad outlook.

Nevertheless, he carried out important assignments well - for example, in 1771 he managed to stop the plague epidemic in Moscow, which resulted in plague riots.

For this, the Empress honored him with an expression of her gratitude and, in memory of his exploits, erected a gate in Tsarskoe Selo with the inscription “Moscow was delivered from troubles by Orlov.”

In 1772, Orlov, as a favorite, was dismissed. Unable to regain influence over Catherine, he went into the shadows.

In 1777, 43-year-old Grigory Orlov married his cousin, 18-year-old Ekaterina Zinovieva. This marriage turned out to be scandalous - in secular circles they said that Orlov had raped a minor who lived in his house as a pupil for several years, and then decided to hush up the matter through marriage.

Attempts to bring Orlov to justice were stopped by Catherine II herself, who approved the marriage.

To the surprise of his contemporaries, it turned out that Grigory Orlov was really in love with his wife, and she reciprocated his feelings. But family happiness was short-lived - Catherine fell ill with consumption and died in 1781 at the age of 22.

For Orlov this was a terrible blow - he soon went crazy. Having outlived his wife by less than two years, Grigory Orlov died on his estate near Moscow in April 1783.

Alexey Orlov

The younger brother of Catherine II's favorite not only played an important role in palace coup 1762, but was also involved in the death Peter III. It is known that Alexey Orlov, unlike Gregory, was actually in Ropsha during the death of the deposed emperor, but there is no exact information that it was he who killed Peter III.

Immediately after the accession to the throne of Catherine II, Alexey Orlov received the rank of major general and the title of count.

Like his brother, Alexey did not receive good education, but at the same time he patronized the sciences and was one of the founders of the Free Economic Society.

In 1769, Orlov became commander of a squadron of the Russian fleet and a year later defeated the Turkish fleet in the Battle of Chesme. For this, among other awards, he received the right to be called Count Orlov-Chesmensky.

In 1775, on the orders of Catherine II, Alexey Orlov organized the kidnapping and delivery to Russia of a famous adventurer Princess Tarakanova. After this operation he retired.

After the death of Catherine II, Alexey Orlov remembered Paul I, who considered him his father's killer.

By order of the emperor, at the reburial of Peter III, Orlov carried in front of the coffin imperial crown. Having experienced considerable shock, he immediately left Russia and went abroad, taking his daughter with him.

After accession Alexandra I The Orlovs returned to Russia, settling in Moscow.

It was Alexei Orlov, who brought a gypsy chapel to Russia after one of the Turkish campaigns, who laid the foundation for professional gypsy performance in Russia.

Alexey Grigorievich Orlov-Chesmensky died in December 1807 in Moscow at the age of 70.

Portrait of Count A. G. Orlov-Chesmensky (1737-1807/1808). V. Eriksen. Between 1770 and 1783. Photo: Public Domain

Ekaterina Dashkova

The closest associate of Catherine II during the coup of 1762, Ekaterina Dashkova, was also the sister of the favorite of Peter III Elizaveta Vorontsova. The emperor himself was Catherine’s godfather.

Despite the fact that Dashkova sacrificed her close people for the sake of her friend’s rise to power, her relationship with the empress quickly cooled. Catherine II did not like her friend’s straightforwardness, her openly disdainful attitude towards the empress’s entourage.

Dashkova believed that she made a huge contribution to Catherine’s victory and deserved a higher position.

She eventually went abroad, where she spent many years dating strongmen of the world this, as well as with scientists and philosophers. Dashkova became friends with Diderot and Voltaire.

Upon returning to Russia in 1782, Princess Dashkova's relations with Catherine II improved again. In 1783, she took the post of director of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, becoming the first woman in the world to be entrusted with such a position.

At Dashkova’s suggestion, the Imperial Russian Academy was established in 1783, with one of its main goals being the study of the Russian language.

Having done a lot for the development of science and education in Russia, after the death of Catherine II she found herself in disgrace and was sent into exile.

After the accession of Alexander I to the throne, Ekaterina Dashkova again received an offer to become the head of the academy, but rejected it.

Ekaterina Romanovna Dashkova died on January 16, 1810 at the age of 66 and was buried in the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in the village of Troitsky in the Kaluga province.

Grigory Potemkin

Grigory Aleksandrovich Potemkin-Tavrichesky, favorite and closest associate of Catherine the Great, who led the annexation and arrangement of Crimea and Novorossiya, the most influential person Catherine's era, at the time of the coup of 1762 was still far from the zenith of his glory.

In the series “The Great” he looks like a man who is much older than both Catherine and Grigory Orlov. In fact, in June 1762 he was not yet 23 years old - he was five years younger than Grigory Orlov and ten years younger than Catherine.

At the time of the coup, Potemkin held the rank of sergeant of the Horse Guards and acted as an orderly to the Field Marshal General, Prince Georg Ludwig, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein.

Despite his not the most significant role in the coup, Potemkin attracted the attention of the Empress and was distinguished by the fact that when rewarding those who distinguished themselves, instead of the rank of cornet to which he was nominated, he received the higher rank of second lieutenant.

Having managed to distinguish himself in Russian-Turkish War, Potemkin became the official favorite of Catherine II in 1774. Despite the fact that Potemkin’s personal closeness with the Empress ended two years later, he managed to maintain influence and political weight as a person needed by Catherine to solve the most important government problems.

Potemkin's influence began to decline only in 1789, with the rise of Catherine's last favorite Platon Zubov. In October 1791, while conducting peace negotiations with Turkey, Potemkin fell ill and died suddenly during a trip from Iasi to Nikolaev at the age of 52.

Alexey Bestuzhev-Ryumin

All-powerful Chancellor of the times Elizaveta Petrovna, sent into exile in 1758 after the discovery of a conspiracy during which it was planned to prevent Peter III from coming to power, did not take part in the palace coup of 1762.

Returned from exile and completely rehabilitated, Bestuzhev counted on the restoration of his former political influence. But his proposal, voiced in the Senate, to award Catherine the title of “Mother of the Fatherland” was rejected by the Empress herself.

For some time, Bestuzhev, according to contemporaries, attempted to put forward political initiatives when meeting with Catherine, but the empress, listening to them politely, invariably refused.

Realizing this, Bestuzhev resigned, which was accepted. The former chancellor of the Russian Empire died in Moscow on April 10, 1766 at the age of 72.

Elizaveta Vorontsova

The official favorite of Peter III remained, perhaps, the only person who was devoted to the emperor to the last. Together with him, Vorontsova was arrested in Oranienbaum and on her knees begged to be allowed to go to Holstein with Peter III.

Instead, by order of Catherine II, she was sent to her father's village near Moscow, Count Roman Illarionovich Vorontsov. Count Vorontsov was given orders to marry off his daughter “so that she would no longer have anything to do with anyone and would live in silence, not giving people many reasons to talk about herself.”

Catherine's will was fulfilled: in September 1765, the former favorite of the emperor married Colonel Alexander Ivanovich Polyansky. The groom was 44 years old at that time, the bride was 26. The wedding took place on the Vorontsov estate near Moscow, but then the couple moved to St. Petersburg. Elizaveta Polyanskaya was not invited to the court, but she regularly appeared at social events in the capital and was not subject to any persecution or restrictions.

In her marriage to Alexander Polyansky, Elizabeth gave birth to a daughter, Anna, and a son, Alexander. Catherine II's attitude towards the children of her husband's former favorite was more than favorable - Anna was granted a maid of honor, and the empress became Alexandra's godmother.

Having lived in a happy marriage for more than a quarter of a century, Elizaveta Romanovna Vorontsova-Polyanskaya died on February 2, 1792 at the age of 52.

Elizaveta Vorontsova. Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

Vasily Zalessky

There is no doubt that television viewers who watched the series “The Great” became interested in the personality and fate of Prince Vasily Zalessky. Perhaps his fate is even sadder than that of Emperor Peter III - the prince actually did not exist at all, at least in the immediate circle of Catherine II.

Some of the actions attributed to Vasily Zalessky by the creators of the series were actually committed by completely different people.

For example, arson own home to divert the attention of Peter III from the birth of Catherine in April 1762, the Empress's valet committed Vasily Shkurin. During the first 13 years of his life, his family raised the illegitimate son of Catherine II and Grigory Orlov Alexey Bobrinsky.

For this, Shkurin was awarded awards, elevated to the hereditary nobility and rose to the rank of Privy Councilor.

Two Vasily Zalesskys left a noticeable mark on Russian history. First, Vasily Anisimovich, born in 1781, distinguished himself during the capture of Anapa and Varna in the Russian-Turkish War of 1828-1829, rose to the rank of major general and the position of chief of artillery of the Black Sea Fleet.

Second, Vasily Gerasimovich, born in 1847, became famous as an engineer and architect, creator of heating and ventilation systems for houses and industrial facilities.

Both of them, for obvious reasons, have nothing to do with the young years of Catherine II.

Empress Catherine the Great, as many know, was very loving. Considering all her official favorites, men involved in her intimate life, lovers and official husbands, one can count up to 21 lover List of men of Catherine the Great:

Peter Fedorovich, also known as Emperor Peter III, was the husband of Catherine II. They 21 August V 1745 got married in the year. The relationship ended between them 1762 year due to the death of Peter III. The couple did not have a close relationship due to Peter's impotence. The problem was solved with the help of surgery.

Catherine had an affair with Sergei Vasilyevich Saltykov while she was married to Peter. IN 1752 The year their romance began, it was in this year that he was at the small court of the Grand Dukes Catherine and Peter. Saltykov was expelled from St. Petersburg and sent to Sweden as an envoy. It happened in 1754 year after the birth of Catherine's son Pavel.

IN 1756 year, Catherine fell in love again. Her next lover was Stanislav August Poniatowski. He left St. Petersburg after the fall of Chancellor Bestuzhev in 1758 year. After some time, Catherine made him King of Poland, and after some time she annexed Poland to Russia. Ekaterina had a daughter, Anna, after an affair with Saltykov. Peter did not know how his wife became pregnant, but he believed that the right decision will recognize the child as his own.

The next secret lover of Catherine the Great was Grigory Grigorievich Orlov. IN 1759 their relationship began in the spring. Orlov was a guard of Count Schwerin who arrived in St. Petersburg; he was captured in the Battle of Zorndorf. After he recaptured Pyotr Shuvalov’s mistress, Orlov became famous. Catherine the Great wanted to marry Orlov after her husband died, but since Orlov had many mistresses, she was dissuaded from such a marriage.

Catherine’s official favorite was Vasilchikov Alexander Semenovich, whom she met in 1772 year. In Tsarskoye Selo, Vasilchikov often stood guard. He and his brother began to live in Moscow after retirement, but never married. With Catherine they had 14 years difference, and she thought he was boring.

The next official favorite, and later husband, was Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin. They legalized the relationship in 1775 year. From her relationship with Potemkin, Catherine the Great had a daughter, Elizabeth.

The new official favorite of Catherine the Great was Pyotr Vasilievich Zavadovsky. IN 1776 year their relationship began. He was jealous of Catherine after she met Zorich in 1777 year, this damaged their relationship, and in the same year Catherine recalled him back to the capital.

IN 1777 year Zorich Semyon Gavrilovich was appointed personal security guard of Catherine. He was younger than her 14 years. He was fired and expelled from St. Petersburg to 1778 year.

IN 1778 year, the next official favorite was Ivan Nikolaevich Rimsky-Korsakov. In the arms of Countess Praskovya, Bruce was noticed by Catherine and broke off relations with him in 1779 year.

IN 1778 year, Catherine the Great had a relationship with Stakhiev (Strakhov). She began to avoid him after he knelt before her and asked for her hand. The relationship came to an end 1779 year.

IN 1778 year, Catherine’s relationship with Stanov began and ended.

Lover of Catherine the Great 1779 year to 1780 year was Rantsov Ivan Romanovich. He was the illegitimate son of Count Vorontsov.

In October 1779 year, Catherine had a fleeting affair with Vasily Ivanovich Levashov.

Catherine had another quickly ending romance with Nikolai Petrovich Vysotsky. It started and ended in March 1780 of the year.

The next official favorite of Catherine was the young Lanskoy Alexander Dmitrievich. He was on 29 years younger than Catherine the Great. The relationship began in April 1780, and ended due to the death of Alexander in 1784 year 25 July.

The Empress's next lover was Lermontov's relative Mordvinov. IN 1781 year the relationship began.

IN 1785 year, at a specially organized holiday, Catherine met her next lover, Ermolov Alexander Petrovich.

After Ermolov left, Catherine met a new lover in 1786 Dmitriev-Mamonov Alexander Matveevich. He fell in love with Princess Daria Fedorovna Shcherbatova and was forced to leave St. Petersburg.

Catherine also had a fleeting relationship with Miloradovich in 1789 year.

The next candidate for favorites, and who did not become, is Miklashevsky. The relationship began and ended in 1787 year.

The relationship began in July 1789 at Catherine the Great's with the official favorite Zubov Platon Alexandrovich. He was Catherine's last favorite. The death of Catherine the Great ended their relationship in November 1796 of the year. At the time Plato met Catherine, he was 22 years old, and she 60 years.