Today's Notable Foreign Birthday

Catherine the Great
U. S. Contemporaries: Revolutionary War Cycle - Liberty Generation - Nomad (Reactive) (1724-1741)

Catherine II, called Catherine the Great (2 May 1729 –  17 November 1796).  Reigned as Empress of Russia from 9 July 1762 until her death.  Under her direct auspices the Russian Empire expanded, improved its administration, and continued to westernize. Catherine's rule re-vitalised Russia, which grew ever stronger and became recognized as one of the great powers of Europe. Her successes in complex foreign policy and her sometimes brutal reprisals in the wake of rebellion (most notably Pugachev's Rebellion) complemented her hectic private life. She frequently occasioned scandal — given her propensity for relationships which often resulted in gossip flourishing within more than one European court.

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