1. BE Period 2

2. The Contestants Philip II Louis XIV Charles I Maria Theresa Peter I Frederick II Catherine the Great

3. Growth of the Russian Empire under Catherine

4. Catherine’s Success Catherine ruled for 34 years, the longest rule since the formation of the Russian Empire in 1721. Catherine extended Russia’s borders greatly by adding nearly 200 thousand square miles over her long reign.

5. Russian war under Catherine Catherine’s first war was a Russo-Turkish war with the Ottoman empire. While still involved in war with the Ottoman Turks, Catherine went to war with Sweden This was a difficult challenge during her early reign but handled it greatly, winning land, and forming Russia into a dominant southeastern power.

6. Common characteristics with other monarchs of the time Catherine took over after the death of her husband from a direct relation to the throne, as did most other monarchs in Europe. Catherine, and all of the other monarchs in Europe were Absolute Monarchs, who had complete control over their empires.

7. Similarities with other monarchs Catherine the Great was very much like Peter the Great, who also ruled Russia. Peter wanted to expand Russia’s borders and gain warm water ports, a task which Catherine later accomplished. Catherine also encouraged devolopment of the arts and culture in Russia. This was a very similar idea to Philip II, who was a patron of the arts.

8. A monarch unlike Catherine Maria Theresa was like Catherine in many ways but had differing ruling strategies Catherine wanted to improve the power of her country by extending borders and enriching culture. Maria wanted to improve her country by creating many reforms including financial and educational reforms, but didn’t put as much focus on the army, like Catherine did.

9. Modern Day Russia The Russian Empire under Catherine expanded over a huge area, but Russia today, is very large, and has expanded to over 17 million square kilometers.

10. Russian government Today, Russia is a Federation under President Vladimir Putin. The presidents are elected and the government has executive, judicial and legislative branches.

11. Which monarch would be best to live under Catherine the Great Catherine was a wonderful ruler who had complete control but gave her people much freedom. She expanded Russian borders, and developed culture and the arts.

12. Best country to live in today Germany The greatest economy in Europe with the second largest population density. The average life expectancy is 78.8 years old. Germany also has a relatively low unemployment rate. The country would be the best European nation to live in.