Catherine IICatherine II of Russia was one of the most influential rulers in Russian history. Catherine was born a princess in Germany, initially named Sophie Fredericke Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, but moved to Russia, changed her name, and married the heir to the throne (Massie 96). Before Catherine's reign, her husband, Peter III, whom she married at fifteen, was in power. Their marriage was unhappy and Pierre was often unfaithful to Catherine. Peter also proved very unpopular among the Russian people. He was very immature and made many bad political decisions. Peter was soon overthrown and eventually murdered. Catherine came to power over Russia shortly after the death of her husband Peter III. She was eager to learn the lifestyles of Russian culture and worked hard to master the language. Her ability and desire to work earned her the loyalty of the ruling class (Catherine, II, the Great). Catherine was one of the longest-serving female leaders in Russian history. After Peter's death, Catherine took charge, making her son Peter her heir in place of the new emperor. She was not only ambitious, but also intelligent. She had very liberal ideas for Russia. Catherine was particularly interested in the Enlightenment and the ideas of Enlightenment writers. She placed emphasis on education and built many primary and secondary schools during her reign. Catherine was dedicated to the future of Russia and wanted to strengthen its power and influence in the world. She brought many advances to Russia during her reign. She attached great importance to Russia's internal affairs, she expanded their territory, giving them access to the Black Sea, and she westernized, notably by adopting a new code of law. Catherine the Great was really great.One of Ca...... middle of paper ......Ed. James R. Farr. Flight. 9: Industrial revolution in Europe, 1750-1914. Detroit: Gale, 2003. 200-201. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Internet. February 12, 2014. “Catherine the Great of Russia publishes instructions, July 30, 1767.” Discovering world history. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resources in Context. Internet. April 6, 2014. Marker, Gary. “Catherine II (Russia) (1729-1796; ruled 1762-1796).” Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the modern world. Ed. Jonathan Dewald. Flight. 1. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2004. 411-415. World history in context. Internet. April 6, 2014.Massie, Robert K. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman. New York: Random House, 2011. Print Schlesinger, Arthur. Catherine. New Haven, CT: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Print. Whitelaw, Nancy. Catherine the Great and the Enlightenment in Russia. Greensboro, NC: Morgan Reynolds Pub., 2005. Print.