Instructions
Read through the timeline of Catherine the Great's rise to power. Then, use the information and your imagination to complete the creative writing activity.
Catherine's Rise to Power: A Timeline
Follow the key events that led a German princess to become one of Russia's most powerful rulers, Empress Catherine the Great.
1744: A New Home
A young German princess named Sophie arrives in Russia. To fit in with the Russian court, she converts to the Russian Orthodox faith and changes her name to Catherine.
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1745: An Unhappy Marriage
Catherine marries the heir to the Russian throne, the Grand Duke Peter. They do not get along. While Peter plays with toy soldiers, Catherine reads books on history and philosophy, learning how to be a great leader.
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January 1762: An Unpopular Emperor
Empress Elizabeth dies, and Catherine's husband becomes Emperor Peter III. He immediately makes powerful enemies. He ends a war with Russia's rival, Prussia, and makes his soldiers wear Prussian-style uniforms, which they hate. He acts disrespectfully and is seen as unfit to rule.
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June 28, 1762: The Coup Begins!
Fearing Peter plans to divorce or imprison her, Catherine acts first. Her powerful friends, the Orlov brothers, get the support of the elite Imperial Guard regiments. The soldiers march through the capital, St. Petersburg, and declare Catherine their new ruler.
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June 29, 1762: Empress Catherine II
Catherine is officially proclaimed Empress of all Russia. Peter III is arrested and forced to give up the throne. Just over a week later, he dies under mysterious circumstances. Catherine the Great's 34-year reign begins.
From the Desk of the Empress
Imagine you are Catherine on the evening of June 29, 1762. The coup was a success and you are now the Empress of Russia. Write a diary entry describing the events, your feelings, and your reasons for taking the throne from your husband. What are your hopes for Russia's future?
Think about:
- Your feelings: Were you scared, excited, determined, or a mix of everything?
- Your reasons: Why did you do it? Was it for Russia's good, or to protect yourself?
- Your thoughts on Peter: What made him a bad emperor in your eyes?
- Your hopes: What is your first big goal as the new ruler?
My Dearest Diary,
Answer Key
Timeline: The timeline section is for reading and learning. There are no questions to answer for this part.
From the Desk of the Empress: Your diary entry is a creative piece, so there is no single correct answer. Your entry is successful if it includes Catherine's feelings, reasons, and hopes. Below is an example of what you might have written.
Example Diary Entry:
My Dearest Diary,
I can hardly believe I am writing this. My hand trembles, but not from fear. It is the thrill of destiny! Today, Russia chose me. The guards cheered my name, the people bowed... they have made me their Empress.
Did I want to move against my own husband? No, but I had no choice. Peter was a child, not a Tsar. He shamed Russia by praising our enemies and insulting our traditions. He was going to destroy this great Empire, and I could not stand by and watch. I had to act, for the good of Russia and to protect myself from his foolishness. Seeing the soldiers' loyalty was terrifying, but it also felt completely right, as if this was the path I was always meant to walk.
Now, the real work begins. I will not be like Peter. I will make Russia strong, respected, and enlightened. I will be the ruler this country deserves.