The internal policy of Catherine II is short and clear - the most important thing. Domestic and foreign policy of Catherine II

Since childhood, the independent and inquisitive Catherine II managed to carry out a real coup in Russia. Since 1744, she was summoned by the Empress to Petersburg. There, Catherine converted to Orthodoxy and became the bride of Prince Peter Fedorovich.

Fight for the throne

The future empress tried in every possible way to win the favor of her husband, his mother and the people. Catherine spent a lot of time studying books on economics, jurisprudence, history, which influenced her worldview. When Peter III ascended the throne, his relationship with his wife grew into mutual hostility. At this time, Catherine began to plot. On her side were the Orlovs, K.G. Razumovsky. N.I. Panin and others. In June 1762, when the emperor was not in St. Petersburg, Catherine entered the barracks of the Izmailovsky regiment and was declared an autocratic ruler. After long requests for negotiations, her husband abdicated in writing. internal, foreign policy Catherine II began its development.

Features of the board

Catherine II was able to surround herself with talented and outstanding personalities. She was very supportive interesting ideas which could be used to your advantage. With subjects, the Empress behaved tactfully and with restraint, had the gift of listening to the interlocutor. But Catherine II loved power and could go to any extreme to keep it.

The Empress supported Orthodox Church, but did not abandon the use of religion in politics. She allowed the construction of Protestant and Catholic churches, and even mosques. But the transition from Orthodoxy to another religion was still punished.

Catherine 2 (briefly)

The Empress chose three postulates on which her activities were based: consistency, gradualness and consideration of public sentiments. Catherine was in words a supporter of the abolition of serfdom, but pursued a policy of supporting the nobles. She set the number of population in each province (the inhabitants should not be more than 400 thousand), and in the county (up to 30 thousand). In connection with this division, many cities were built.

A number of government agencies were organized in each provincial center. These are such as the main provincial institution - the Office - headed by the governor, the Criminal and Civil Chambers, the financial management body (Treasury Chamber). Also were established: the Upper Zemstvo Court, the Provincial Magistrate and the Upper Massacre. They played the role of a court for different estates and consisted of chairmen and assessors. A body was created for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, which was called Here, the cases of insane criminals were also dealt with. The problems of organizing schools, shelters and almshouses were dealt with by the Order of Public Charity.

Political reforms in the counties

Domestic politics Catherine 2 also influenced the cities. Here, too, a number of boards appeared. Thus, the Lower Zemstvo Court was responsible for the activities of the police and administration. was subordinate to the Upper Zemstvo Court and considered the cases of the nobles. The place in which the townspeople tried was the City Magistrate. To solve the problems of the peasants, the Lower Massacre was created.

Control over the correct implementation of the law was assigned to the provincial prosecutor and two solicitors. The governor-general monitored the activities of several provinces and could directly address the empress. The internal policy of Catherine 2, the table of estates are described in many historical books.

Judicial reform

In 1775 it was established new system for resolving disputes. In each estate, the problem was solved by its own judicial body. All courts, except for the Lower Punishment, were elected. The Upper Zemstvo dealt with the affairs of the landowners, and the Upper and Lower reprisals dealt with peasant strife (if the peasant was a state one). The disputes of the serfs were sorted out by the landowner. As for the clergy, they could only be judged by bishops in provincial consistories. The Senate became the Supreme Judiciary.

municipal reform

The empress strove to create local organizations for each estate, granting them the right to self-government. In 1766, Catherine II presented the Manifesto on the formation of a commission to resolve local issues. Under the leadership of the chairman of the society of nobles and the elected head for the city, deputies were elected, as well as the transfer of orders to them. As a result, a number of legislative acts appeared, which fixed separate rules of local self-government. The nobility was endowed with the right to elect the county and provincial chairmen, secretary, county judge and assessors and other managers. Two Dumas were engaged in the management of the city economy: the General and the Six-Glass. The first had the right to issue orders in this area. The mayor was the chairman. The general council met as needed. The six-vowel met every day. It was the executive body and consisted of six representatives of each estate and the mayor. There was also the City Duma, which met every three years. This body had the right to elect the Six-voice Duma.

The internal policy of Catherine 2 did not ignore the police. In 1782, she created a decree that regulated the structure of law enforcement agencies, the direction of their activities, as well as the system of punishments.

The life of the nobility

The internal policy of Catherine 2 legally confirmed by a number of documents vantage point of this class. It was possible to execute a nobleman or take away his property only after he had committed a serious crime. The court verdict was necessarily coordinated with the empress. The nobleman could not be subjected to physical punishment. In addition to managing the fate of the peasants and the affairs of the estate, a representative of the estate could freely travel abroad, direct his complaints immediately to the governor-general. The foreign and domestic policy of Catherine II was based on the interests of the class.

The rights of the poor representatives were slightly infringed. So, an individual with a certain property qualification could take part in the provincial noble assemblies. This also applied to approval for a position, in which case the additional income should be at least 100 rubles per year.

economic reform

In 1775, the Manifesto was announced, in which everyone was allowed to “voluntarily start all kinds of camps and produce all kinds of needlework on them, without requiring any other permission” from both local and higher authorities. The exception was the mining business, which in the form state business lasted until 1861, as well as enterprises serving the army. The measures taken contributed to the growth of the economy of the merchant class. This estate took an active part in the formation of new production and enterprises. Thanks to the action of the merchants, the linen industry began to develop, which later turned into a section of the textile industry. Catherine II in 1775 established three merchant guilds, which were divided among themselves according to the available capital. Each association was charged a fee of 1% from the capital, which was declared and not checked. In 1785, a letter was announced, which stated that merchants had the right to participate in local government and court, they were exempted from corporal punishment. Privileges applied only to the first and second guilds, and in return, an increase in the size of the declared capital was required.

The domestic policy of Catherine II also concerned rural residents. They were allowed to practice their craft and sell the resulting products. The peasants traded on churchyards, but were limited in many trade transactions. The nobles could organize fairs and sell goods at them, but they did not have the right to build factories in cities. This estate sought in every possible way to push back the merchants and capture the textile and distilling industries. And they gradually succeeded, since by early XIX century, 74 nobles had factories at their disposal, and there were only twelve merchants at the head of enterprises.

Catherine II opened the Assignation Bank, which was created for the successful activities of the upper classes. financial organization accepted deposits, issued issues, and accounted for bills of exchange. The result of active actions was the merger of the silver ruble and banknotes.

Reforms of education, culture and science

Features of the internal policy of Catherine 2 in these areas were as follows:

1. On behalf of the Empress, teacher I.I. Betskoy developed the "General Institution for the Education of Both Sexes of Youth". On its basis, the Society of Noble Maidens, a commercial school and educational institution at the Academy of Arts. In 1782, a Commission was formed on the establishment of schools to carry out school reform. Its plan was developed by the Austrian teacher F.I. Yankovic. In the course of the reform in the cities, public schools were opened for everyone, both main and small. The institutions were maintained by the state. Under Catherine II, the Medical College, the Mining School and other educational institutions were opened.
2. The successful domestic policy of Catherine 2 in 1762-1796 gave impetus to the development of science. In 1765, an organization appeared that was designed to expand knowledge in the geography of the country. In the period from 1768 to 1774, scientists of the Academy of Sciences participated in five expeditions. Thanks to such trips, knowledge was expanded not only in the field of geography, but also in biology, and in other natural sciences. In the 80s, the Russian Academy was built to study language and literature. During the reign of Catherine II, more books were printed than in the entire 18th century. The first public library in the state was opened in St. Petersburg. Reading books was carried away by almost every class. At this time, education began to be valued.
3. The domestic policy of Catherine 2 did not bypass and appearance high society. An active social life in the highest circles obliged ladies and gentlemen to follow fashion. In 1779, the Fashionable Monthly Essay, or Library for the Ladies' Toilet began to publish examples new clothes. A decree of 1782 obliged the nobles to wear costumes in accordance with the colors of the coat of arms of their province. Two years later, a requirement was added to this order - a certain cut of the uniform.

Foreign policy

Catherine II did not forget about improving ties with other states. The Empress achieved the following results:

1. Thanks to the annexation of the Kuban region, Crimea, Lithuanian provinces, Western Russia, the Duchy of Courland, the borders of the state expanded noticeably.

2. The Treaty of St. George was signed, which indicated the role of Russia's protectorate over Georgia (Kartli-Kakheti).

3. A war for territories with Sweden was unleashed. But after the signing of the peace treaty, the borders of the states remained the same.

4. Exploration of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

5. As a result of the Russian-Turkish war, part of the territory of Poland was divided between Austria, Prussia and Russia.

6. Greek project. The purpose of the doctrine was to restore Byzantine Empire centered in Constantinople. According to the plan, the grandson of Catherine II, Prince Konstantin, was to head the state.

7. In the late 80s began Russian-Turkish war and fighting with Sweden. Prisoner in 1792 secured influence Russian Empire in Transcaucasia and Bessarabia, and also confirmed the annexation of Crimea.

Foreign and domestic policy of Catherine 2. Results

The great Russian Empress left an indelible mark on the history of Russia. Having overthrown her husband from the throne, she carried out a number of activities, many of which significantly improved the life of the people. Summing up the results of the domestic policy of Catherine II, one cannot fail to note the special position of nobles and favorites at court. The Empress strongly supported this estate and her beloved associates.

The domestic policy of Catherine 2, briefly describing it, has the following main aspects. Thanks to the decisive actions of the Empress, the territory of the Russian Empire increased significantly. The population in the country began to strive for education. The first schools for peasants appeared. Issues related to the administration of counties and provinces were resolved. The Empress helped Russia to become one of the great European states.

Domestic policy of Catherine II the Great characterized by conflicting aspirations to comply with the ideas of enlightened absolutism, on the one hand, and the final enslavement of the peasantry with the provision of practically unlimited rights to the nobles, on the other.

Briefly about the content and features
domestic policy of Catherine II

Enlightened absolutism in its own way

As a form of government, absolutism involves the concentration of all power in the hands of the emperor. Accordingly, in domestic policy, Catherine II sought to put the system of government in order, and after the peasant uprising of Pugachev, to strengthen the vertical of power, partially introducing the principles of self-government and modernizing the police.

Key activities

REFORM OF THE SENATE

December 26, 1763 The Senate was deprived of the legislative function (which was transferred personally to Catherine II and her cabinet of ministers) and divided into six departments, decisions were made requiring the consent of all participants in the meeting, controversial issues were considered by the general meeting.

Abolition of Hetmanship

November 10, 1764 instead of the abolished title of hetman, the Little Russian Collegium was created, consisting half of local foremen, half of officials appointed by Catherine II, and headed by Governor-General P. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky.

STATED COMMISSION AND INSTRUCTION

December 25, 1766 Catherine II announced the convening of the Legislative Commission, as well as the rules for the election of deputies from various estates. As a guide for the commission, the empress personally prepared for several years the "Instruction for the Legislative Commission." This document was a collection of ideas of European enlighteners, which Catherine II herself did not hide.

The purpose of the convocation The commission was supposed to be the creation of the "New Code" - an updated code of laws, to replace the obsolete Cathedral Code of 1649. However, there was no mutual understanding between the estates, and poor organization between various parts sitting and the lack of coordination in actions led to the fact that over the 1.5 years of its existence, the commission did not develop a single law or proposal and Catherine II announced its dissolution December 18, 1768.

PROVINCE REFORM

November 18, 1775, after the end of the Russian-Turkish war and the suppression of the Pugachev uprising, Catherine II began administrative reform. There was a change in the principle of dividing the provinces - the main criterion was the number of taxable population (working men), the judicial and administrative bodies were separated, which led to a sharp increase in the number of officials.

In addition to separation, the reform of the judiciary involved the partial introduction of elected positions from all classes, as well as the building of a hierarchical system of judicial instances, the highest body of which was the Senate. In fact, the nobles occupied all key positions and constantly interfered in the course of consideration of cases, and the overgrown bureaucracy caused an increase in corruption. In part, the reform of the police bodies was a continuation of judicial reforms.

POLICE REFORM

April 8, 1782 Catherine II signed the "Charter of the Deanery, or Policeman", continuing the transformation of the police authorities, begun during the provincial reform. According to this document, the Deanery Councils were created, a system of police posts with certain functions was built, and the cities themselves were divided into parts (200-700 households) and quarters (50-100 households). The foundations of police law were laid and the vertical of power at the city level was strengthened. The police were entrusted with part of the economic issues.

URBAN REFORM

April 21, 1785 The Letter of Letter to the Cities of the Russian Empire was published - a document that determined the legal status of the inhabitants of the cities and divided them into six categories. From each of the categories, a member of the "six-member" city duma was elected, which did not have serious independence and was engaged in ensuring food supplies and small economic activity. It was an appropriate step towards urban self-government, especially since the number of cities began to grow.

Economic transformation

domestic economy

The state suffered from the typical problems of the obsolete feudal system- monopolies for the extraction and processing of resources, inefficient serf labor and backwardness of production technologies. It should be noted that the external liberalization of the economic course of the state was accompanied by a tightening of domestic policy in relation to the most oppressed and numerous class - the peasantry.

SECULARIZATION OF THE CHURCH

March 8, 1764, the empress decided to put an end to the independence of the church, and announced the withdrawal from the monasteries of most of the land and monastic peasants in favor of the state. Thus, more than 9 million hectares of land and about 1 million males who previously "fed" the clergy were transferred to the subordination of a special College of Economy. More than half of the existing 954 monasteries were abolished, and the funds collected from the peasants who previously belonged to the church were given by the state for the maintenance of clearly defined church states. The rest went to the treasury.

MONETARY REFORM

Trying to contain inflation, Catherine II in 1763 banned the exchange of copper coins for silver. The outbreak of war with the Commonwealth and Turkey demanded Money, and copper money, which was inconvenient for transportation and billing, seriously hampered both the domestic and foreign markets. To solve this problem, in 1768-69, special bank notes were created and the issuance of bank notes began, which at first had a beneficial effect, but the abuse of the state led to a significant depreciation of paper currency.

FREEDOM OF BUSINESS

March 17, 1775 a manifesto on freedom of enterprise was issued, which abolished more than 30 various fees for crafts (furs, poultry, fish) and processing industries (oil mills, slaughterhouses, etc.). Also, any citizen was allowed to open "all sorts of camps and needlework" without any additional permits. Merchants with a capital of more than 500 rubles were exempted from the poll tax. Instead, an annual fee of 1% from capital was introduced.

FREE ECONOMIC SOCIETY

November 11, 1765 Catherine II approved the activities of the already existing de facto Free Economic Society. The goals of its creation were the collection and analysis of statistical data related to the economy and Agriculture, as well as the promotion of advanced technical solutions for widespread use in agricultural and industrial sectors. However, the society did not achieve any significant success during the reign of Catherine II.

Foreign economic relations

Catherine II tried to move from protectionism, established since the time of Peter I, to a more liberal organization of the economy - there was an increase in exports (export from the country and sale to other states) of resources and semi-finished products (hemp, sailcloth, cast iron and iron, timber, bristles, as well as bread). The volume of exports of the country increased from 13.9 million rubles. in 1760 to 39.6 million rubles. in 1790, while mainly high-tech goods were imported into the country. From 1340 to 2430, the number of foreign merchant ships entering Russian ports annually increased.

A number of foreign trade monopolies and a ban on grain exports were abolished. Customs tariffs were successively lowered in 1766 and 1782. In 1782 the Customs Frontier Chain was also established to deal with mass smuggling across the western frontiers. After the execution of the king in revolutionary France, Catherine II tried to include economic levers of influence in the fight against the revolution - the import of French-made goods was prohibited.

The Russian Empire remained a predominantly resource-exporting power - most of all timber was sold, grain sales were organized (prohibited under Empress Elizabeth). Of the value-added products, only canvas and cast iron (rough iron) could be named. The development of production technologies was hampered by the orientation of the economy towards the slave labor of serfs. At the end of the reign of Catherine II, paper money depreciated by a third, debts from the state accumulated more than 200 million, and revenues did not cover expenses.

Rise of Favoritism

A separate point worth mentioning is the widespread favoritism under Catherine II. For all the beauty and loftiness of the empress's statements about the equality of people before the law and the primacy of truth over ignorance and bribery, she herself gave away several million state peasants to her lovers and favorites, not counting numerous monetary rewards and jewelry. Some historians consider the fact of the decomposition of the nobility during the time of Catherine the Great to be one of the main reasons for the upheavals that awaited the Russian Empire in subsequent centuries.

Outcomes and results of domestic policy

• The enslavement of the peasantry and the granting of new privileges to the nobility
• The rise of favoritism, the increase in the number of officials and the police, bribery
• Development of education, science and health
• Growth in production and export of canvas, cast iron, grain
• Foundation of more than 140 cities, development of the Crimea and the northern Black Sea coast

"Catherine the Second" - Medal in memory of the coronation Medal in honor of the Empress. Plan: The golden age of Catherine II. Fikke was a kind, patient, inquisitive student. Born Sophie-Frederika-Amalie, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst. Personality of Catherine II. Liberation of the nobility. Cabinet of 3 Ministers - Senate; A number of collegiums have been liquidated; 50 provinces.

"Empress Catherine II" - A charter for the title of count, bestowed by Catherine II. Peter I. "To Peter the Great - Catherine the Second." In the villages, the landowner's house has to be free from standing. 36th. The nobles are allowed to have factories and plants in the villages. 29th. "Enlightened Absolutism". A family. Catherine II is the successor of the ideas of Peter I.

"Catherine 1 and Peter 1" - Catherine (in 1713) and the city of Yekaterinburg in the Urals was named (in 1723). The nobles wanted to rule with a woman, and now they really achieved their goal. To prevent uprisings, the poll tax was reduced (from 74 to 70 kopecks). Alexander Nevsky. The long wars that Russia waged earlier affected the country's finances.

"The Board of Catherine 2" - Events in the interests of the nobility of Russia. People's War headed by E. Pugachev is a black spot in Catherine's politics. Under Ekaterina Alekseevna, the territory of Russia, the population (almost 75%), and incomes increased many times over. Either I die or I reign.” The reign of Catherine II left a very significant imprint in the history of Russia.

"Russia under Catherine II" - Levitsky D.G. Portrait of Catherine II. What is the purpose of creating a formal portrait in the era of classicism? T e m e s o f resear ches. How do the features of the historical image of Catherine II correlate with the literary image? How objective is the portrayal of a historical figure in different types artistic creativity?

"The Story of Catherine 2" - It seemed that the little princess had nothing to expect from fate. Kuban Cossacks. Unknown artist (circle of Roslin-Rokotov). Received home education. Descended from the small North Germanic princely family. Like the imp. Soldiers from other regiments soon joined the rebels. Ekaterina and Pugachev.

Russia during the reign of Catherine II.

Origin

Catherine 2, whose biography was so amazing and unusual, was born on May 2 (April 21), 1729 in Stettin, Germany. Her full name- Sophia Augusta Frederick, Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst. Her parents were Prince Christian-August of Anhalt-Zerbst and his equal in title Johanna-Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp, who was related to such royal houses as English, Swedish and Prussian. Future Russian empress was educated at home. She was taught theology, music, dance, the basics of geography and history, and, in addition to her native German, she also knew French. Already in early childhood, she showed her independent character, perseverance and curiosity, preferred lively and outdoor games.

Marriage

In 1744, Empress Elizaveta Petrovna invited the Princess of Anhalt-Zerbst to come to Russia with her mother. Here the girl was baptized according to the Orthodox custom and began to be called Ekaterina Alekseevna. From that moment on, she received the status of the official bride of Prince Peter Fedorovich, the future Emperor Peter 3. So, the exciting story of Catherine 2 in Russia began with their wedding, which took place on August 21, 1745. After this event, she received the title Grand Duchess. As you know, her marriage was unhappy initially. Her husband Peter was at that time still an immature youth who played with soldiers instead of spending his time in the company of his wife. Therefore, the future empress was forced to entertain herself: she read for a long time, and also invented various amusements.

Domestic politics

The Empress chose three postulates on which her activities were based: consistency, gradualness and consideration of public sentiments. Catherine was in words a supporter of the abolition of serfdom, but pursued a policy of supporting the nobles. She set the number of population in each province (the inhabitants should not be more than 400 thousand), and in the county (up to 30 thousand). In connection with this division, many cities were built. A number of government agencies were organized in each provincial center. These are such as the main provincial institution - the Office - headed by the governor, the Criminal and Civil Chambers, the financial management body (Treasury Chamber). Also were established: the Upper Zemstvo Court, the Provincial Magistrate and the Upper Massacre. They played the role of a court for different estates and consisted of chairmen and assessors. A body was created for the peaceful resolution of conflicts, which was called the Constituent Court. Cases of insane criminals were also dealt with here. The problems of organizing schools, shelters and almshouses were dealt with by the Order of Public Charity.
Political reforms in counties

The internal policy of Catherine II also influenced the cities. Here, too, a number of boards appeared. Thus, the Lower Zemstvo Court was responsible for the activities of the police and administration. The district court was subordinate to the Upper Zemstvo Court and considered the cases of the nobles. The place in which the townspeople tried was the City Magistrate. To solve the problems of the peasants, the Lower Massacre was created. Control over the correct implementation of the law was assigned to the provincial prosecutor and two solicitors. The governor-general monitored the activities of several provinces and could directly address the empress. The internal policy of Catherine 2, the table of estates are described in many historical books.

Judicial reform

In 1775 a new system was established to resolve disputes. In each estate, the problem was solved by its own judicial body. All courts, except for the Lower Punishment, were elected. The Upper Zemstvo dealt with the affairs of the landowners, and the Upper and Lower reprisals dealt with peasant strife (if the peasant was a state one). The disputes of the serfs were sorted out by the landowner. As for the clergy, they could only be judged by bishops in provincial consistories. The Senate became the Supreme Judiciary.

municipal reform

The empress strove to create local organizations for each estate, granting them the right to self-government. In 1766, Catherine II presented the Manifesto on the formation of a commission to resolve local issues. Under the leadership of the chairman of the society of nobles and the elected head for the city, deputies were elected, as well as the transfer of orders to them. As a result, a number of legislative acts appeared, which fixed separate rules of local self-government. The nobility was endowed with the right to elect the county and provincial chairmen, secretary, county judge and assessors and other managers. Two Dumas were engaged in the management of the city economy: the General and the Six-Glass. The first had the right to issue orders in this area. The mayor was the chairman. The general council met as needed. The six-vowel met every day. It was the executive body and consisted of six representatives of each estate and the mayor. There was also the City Duma, which met every three years. This body had the right to elect the Six-voice Duma. The internal policy of Catherine 2 did not ignore the police. In 1782, she created a decree that regulated the structure of law enforcement agencies, the direction of their activities, as well as the system of punishments.

The life of the nobility

The internal policy of Catherine II legally confirmed the advantageous position of this class in a number of documents. It was possible to execute a nobleman or take away his property only after he had committed a serious crime. The court verdict was necessarily coordinated with the empress. The nobleman could not be subjected to physical punishment. In addition to managing the fate of the peasants and the affairs of the estate, a representative of the estate could freely travel abroad, direct his complaints immediately to the governor-general. The foreign and domestic policy of Catherine II was based on the interests of the class. The rights of the poor representatives were slightly infringed. So, an individual with a certain property qualification could take part in the provincial noble assemblies. This also applied to approval for a position, in which case the additional income should be at least 100 rubles per year.

Foreign policy

Catherine II did not forget about improving ties with other states. The Empress achieved the following results:

1. Thanks to the annexation of the Kuban region, Crimea, Lithuanian provinces, Western Russia, the Duchy of Courland, the borders of the state expanded noticeably.

2. The Treaty of St. George was signed, which indicated the role of Russia's protectorate over Georgia (Kartli-Kakheti).

3. A war for territories with Sweden was unleashed. But after the signing of the peace treaty, the borders of the states remained the same.

4. Exploration of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

5. As a result of the Russian-Turkish war, part of the territory of Poland was divided between Austria, Prussia and Russia.

6. Greek project. The aim of the doctrine was to restore the Byzantine Empire centered in Constantinople. According to the plan, the grandson of Catherine II, Prince Konstantin, was to head the state.

7. In the late 80s, the Russian-Turkish war and the struggle with Sweden began. The Peace of Jassy, ​​concluded in 1792, consolidated the influence of the Russian Empire in Transcaucasia and Bessarabia, and also confirmed the annexation of Crimea.

Foreign and domestic policy of Catherine 2. Results

The great Russian Empress left an indelible mark on the history of Russia. Having overthrown her husband from the throne, she carried out a number of activities, many of which significantly improved the life of the people. Summing up the results of the domestic policy of Catherine II, one cannot fail to note the special position of nobles and favorites at court. The Empress strongly supported this estate and her beloved associates. The domestic policy of Catherine 2, briefly describing it, has the following main aspects. Thanks to the decisive actions of the Empress, the territory of the Russian Empire increased significantly. The population in the country began to strive for education. The first schools for peasants appeared. Issues related to the administration of counties and provinces were resolved. The Empress helped Russia to become one of the great European states.