This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
“During this solitary winter when
Paul was born, Catherine decided to change her behavior. She had met her obligation in coming to
Russia; she had given the nation an heir.
And now, as a reward, she found herself abandoned in a little room
without her child. She resolved to
defend herself. Examining her situation,
she saw it from a new perspective. She
had lost the physical presence of her baby, but, by his birth, her own position
in Russia had been secured. This
realization prompted her decision “to make those who had caused me so much
suffering understand that I could not be offended and mistreated with impunity””
– Robert K. Massie, Chapter 29: Retaliation, Page 171
“Peter had provoked and insulted the Orthodox Church,
infuriated and alienated the army, and betrayed his allies. Nevertheless, effective opposition still
needed a specific cause around which to rally.
Peter himself supplied this by endeavoring to impose on his exhausted
country a frivolous new war – against Denmark.” – Robert K. Massie, Chapter 42:
The Brief Reign of Peter III, 250
“She sat on the throne of Peter the Great and ruled an
empire, the largest on earth. Her
signature, inscribed on a decree, was law and, if she chose, could mean life or
death for any one of her twenty million subjects. She was intelligent, well read, and a shrewd
judge of character. During the coup, she
had shown determination and courage; once on the throne, she displayed an open
mind, willingness to forgive, and a political morality founded on rationality
and practical efficiency. She softened
imperial presence with a sense of humor and a quick tongue; indeed, with
Catherine more than any other monarch of her day, there was always a wide
latitude for humor. There was also a
line not be crossed, even by close friends.” – Robert K. Massie, Chapter 45:
Coronation, Page 281
Is This An Overview?
Before needing to convert into
Orthodoxy for marriage, Catherine was a Lutheran called Sophia. As Sophia, as a child, was neglected by
Sophia’s mother, Johanna. As a princess,
Sophia had the option of either marriage or being sent to a convent. Sophia was eager for marriage. At the time, Elizabeth, empress of Russia had
come to the throne and was looking for a bride for the heir, Peter Ulrich. Peter’s and Catherine’s views on Russia were
different.
Peter disapproved
of Russia. Disapproved the culture, and
language. Peter favored Prussia, and was
an admirer of Fredrick the Great. Catherine
had a different approach. Catherine was
eager to embrace Russia and learn about Russia.
Catherine’s eagerness to be immersed into Russia gained approval of the
people. Catherine learned the customs of
Russia, which included bribing people with gifts.
When Catherine and Peter
married, Catherine was neglected and failed to produce an heir. In isolation, Catherine turned to books. Learned various ideas for governance and
justice. After Paul was born,
Catherine’s behavior changed, as that meant Catherine’s political position was
secured. At least until Elizabeth’s
death. Peter wanted to marry someone
else, and therefore tried to remove Catherine.
When Peter became
emperor, enabled some policies that were approved of, but generally Peter
stigmatized the church, military, and allies.
Attempted to change Russian institutions to be more aligned with
Prussia, and deferred to Prussia on political situations. Catherine obtained supporters, for Catherine
was a stark contrast to Peter’s views and policies. Supporters who then put Catherine on the
throne of Russia.
Catherine became
empress through the support of Russia.
Supported by the army, church, nobility, and people. Catherine was courageous during the coup. While on the throne, ruled through rational
politics, enlightenment ideas, and practical efficiency. Tempered by humor. Catherine became empress without experience
in administration, but took on the responsibility. Wanted to understand the problems Russia
faced, and be provided with the information to find appropriate responses
rather than just defer to others. The
threats that Catherine faced were competitors to the throne, general corruption
in government, and a rise in grain prices.
What Catherine did
was stop deference to foreign powers, which appeased the exhausted army. Funded medical infrastructure, and
knowledge. Reformed laws to make them
systematic and proportionate. Reformed
the church. Catherine tried to correct
the mistreatment of serf, for if the unbearable conditions were not corrected,
the people might revolt. Catherine’s
ability to change Russia was limited due to the dependence on nobility,
culture, and the vastness of Russia.
Who Was Peter III?
Peter was Elizabeth’s nephew. The son of Elizabeth’s favored older sister
Anee, and a cousin of Johanna. After
Anne died, Elizabeth adopted Peter, who then became heir to the throne of
Russia. By becoming heir to Russia,
Peter had to relinquish the claim on the crown of Sweden. As Peter’s source of solace was barrack life,
wanted command and obedience.
As a child, and later, Peter was tormented by a tutor, who
thought that ill-treatment was meant to toughen Peter, but had the opposite
effect.
Elizabeth was anxious about the succession, as Peter scorned
Russia and sympathized with Prussia. But
Elizabeth did not change the succession plan.
Caveats?
As a biography, this book covers the
personal accounts of the person, Catherine the Great. There are various references to Russia’s
history, and how Russia effected and was affected by other states. Deference is toward the personal reactions of
Catherine, on the politics of Russian royalty.
This book provides background on the culture and history of Russia, but
more research would be needed to understand many of the events.
