Western Civilization II / Unit 6 WC2 0523 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Catherine the Great: Correspondent of Philosophes, Ruler of Serfs
Captions available
The idea
Catherine corresponded with the philosophes, patronized Enlightenment art and learning, expanded the bureaucracy, reorganized the provinces and broadened officer education, and wrote plays and memoirs celebrating Russia. Her enthusiasm cooled after seventeen eighty-nine.
In practice
Nobles' privileges expanded; the vast majority stayed serfs.
Where people slip
Nothing to do with democratic impulses, the anchor says.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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