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Catherine has a total of 12 lovers over her life
Catherine had a total of about 12 lovers throughout her life. She was greatly admired by many. -
Travels with mother to Russia
Catherine and her mother traveled to Russia, but Catherine fell ill and created conflict between her mother and the Empresss Elizabeth. -
Catherine Converts to Eastern Orthodoxy
Despite her father's oppositions, Sophia converted and became Catherine. -
Married to Peter von Holstein-Gottorp
At the age of 16, Catherine is married to Peter, the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp -
Catherine's Son, Paul is born
Catherine gives birth to her first son, Paul. She had little time to raise him, Elizabeth raised him more. -
Had daughter Anna Petrovna to Poniatowski
Catherine gives birth to her daughter - Anna - whose father was Stanisław Poniatowski. -
Starts relationship with Grigory Orlov
Catherine begins her relationship with Grigory Orlov, a distinguished soldier. -
Death of Elizabeth/Coming to Power of Peter
The empress of Russia Elizabeth dies, leaving Peter to take power. -
Suggests Diderot come to Russia to complete the Encyclopédie
After hearing that the French government was trying to stop publication of the Encyclopédie, Catherine suggests Diderot come to Russia to finish it. -
Founded Smolny Institute
Catherine founded the Smolny Institute which admitted young girls for education. -
Changed perspective on Serfs
After an uprising of serfs, Catherine's perspective on the lower classes shifts. She takes away more of their freedom and becomes slightly more absolute. -
Ends Affair with Grigori Alexandrovich Potemkin
Catherine's affair with her adviser and lover, Grigori Alexandrovich Potemkin, ended in 1776, resulting in him helping choose another lover for her that he thought would be better suited.
