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Catherine the Great and Russia, 1762–1796

Enlightenment Russia, 1725–1796: Catherine the Great and Russia, 1762–1796

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90 min

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AqaA LevelHistory1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment,

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Catherine the Great and Russia, 1762–17966 objectives

Catherine: character and aims; extent of influence of the Enlightenment and the impact of the French Revolution on Catherine.
Developments in central and local government: codification of the law; the Great Commission; reform of the Senate; changes to local government in towns and rural areas.
Changes to society: the importance of landownership and the gentry; Enlightenment and education; reforms to religion.
The economy and the persistence of serfdom and its impact on economic development.
Opposition and rebellion; plots against her and Catherine’s reaction; the Pugachev Revolt and its consequences.
Foreign affairs and wars: Sweden; Turkey and Crimea; wars with Poland and its partition.

EnlightenmentSerfdomCodificationEconomic ReformsAutocracyOttoman Empire

Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing Catherine's policies or the impact of the Enlightenment, include specific reforms or events to support your argument.
Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing reforms, always include specific examples such as the Nakaz or the establishment of provincial offices.

Overgeneralizing Catherine's reforms: Clarify that while Catherine did implement some reforms, she did not abolish serfdom and instead reinforced it in many areas.
Confusing Catherine's reforms with those of Peter the Great: Focus on the specific reforms introduced by Catherine, such as the Nakaz and the Great Commission, which were distinct from Peter's westernization efforts.

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