Catherine the Great and Russia, 1762–1796 key terms

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Serfdom

A system of agricultural labor in which peasants were tied to the land and subject to the authority of landowners.

Codification

The process of compiling and systematizing laws into a coherent code.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Serfdom

A system in which peasants were tied to the land and subject to the will of landowners, prevalent in Russia before reforms.

Serfdom

A system where peasants are bound to the land and under the control of landowners, limiting their freedom and economic opportunities.

Economic Reforms

Policies aimed at improving the economic structure, productivity, and efficiency of a nation.

Autocracy

A system of government in which one person has absolute power, as exemplified by Catherine the Great's rule in Russia.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing Catherine's policies.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Ottoman Empire

A historical empire that controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa from the 14th to the early 20th century.