Catherine the Great (and her Mum!) - more than just a scandal

In this episode of 'She Changed History,' the hosts delve into the fascinating life of Catherine the Great, the Empress of Russia. Dispel the myths and rumours surrounding her, and discover the remarkable achievements and challenges Catherine faced during her reign. Learn about her early life, her tumultuous marriage to Peter III, her ascent to power, and her transformative rule marked by progressive reforms in education, social welfare, and international diplomacy. This episode showcases Catherine's enduring legacy, her intellect, ambition, and significant contributions to modernizing Russia.

Sources today are:

• Mainly - Liana Miate https://www.worldhistory.org/Catherine_the_Great/
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/catherine_the_great.shtml
• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Catherine-the-Great/Legacy
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/true-story-catherine-great-180974863/
• https://medium.com/@HMHbooks/seven-of-the-most-maligned-women-in-history-ea1228cc160
• https://historythings.com/historys-nutcases-peter-iii-of-russia/
• https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-worldhistory2/chapter/the-age-of-enlightenment/#:~:text=There%20were%20two%20distinct%20lines,systems%20of%20power%20and%20faith.

00:00 Introduction and Banter
01:16 Celebrating Milestones
01:29 Unveiling the Real Catherine the Great
03:35 Catherine's Early Life
05:45 Joanna's Ambitious Plans
10:55 Catherine's Marriage to Peter
11:16 Peter's Struggles and Catherine's Adaptation
16:50 Peter's Reign and Downfall
18:51 Catherine's Bold Moves Against Peter
20:44 The Coup and Catherine's Rise to Power
21:15 Catherine's Lovers and Political Maneuvering
23:52 Catherine's Coronation and Symbolic Crown
26:09 Enlightenment Ideals and Reforms
29:31 Catherine's Educational and Social Reforms
32:18 Challenges and Rebellions During Catherine's Reign
33:27 Catherine's Diplomatic Achievements
36:17 Catherine's Legacy and Final Years