Catherine ii the great biography for kids

Catherine II of Russia (Also titled Catherine the Great or Yekaterina Aleksei'evna) (April 21, 1729, Stettin, Germany – November 17, 1796Tsarskoye Selo, Russia) was Empress of Russia.

She came to power by a Coup d'état that deposed her husband, who was killed.

Catherine greatly increased the power of the crown. In wars against the Ottoman Empire and Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth she conquered much land in the west and south.

During Catherine's rule, Russia became a strong power in Europe.

Early life

Catherine was born in Stettin, which was a part of the Kingdom of Prussia at the time. She was the daughter of Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and Princess Johanna Elizabeth of Holstein-Gottorp.

She had five brothers and sisters.

Catherine ii the great biography for kids printable

She married Peter III (who, like Catherine, was German) at age fifteen, and became empress of Russia at age 32. She was educated in three languages (Russian, German and French). She grew up as a Luthera