Catherine the Great

Catherine II led a coup d'

Catherine the Great founded the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg by purchasing a large collection of paintings from Berlin. The museum grew into one of the world's largest art collections, reflecting her patronage of Enlightenment culture.

Catherine the Great initiated a war against the Ottoman Empire, resulting in Russian victory. The Treaty of K

Catherine the Great formally annexed the Crimean Peninsula from the Ottoman Empire. This strategic acquisition gave Russia a dominant position in the Black Sea and a warm-water port, fulfilling a long-standing imperial ambition.

Catherine the Great issued the Charter to the Gentry, which codified the rights and privileges of the Russian nobility. It exempted nobles from taxation and military service, solidifying their social status and support for her rule.