Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great, known as Catherine the Great (1729-96). Empress of Russia. The daughter of a German prince, she married the Russian Grand Duke Peter, later Tsar Peter III, in 1762. Because of physical weakness and signs of madness, the tsar was deposed after six months and Catherine ruled alone as empress. Al-though her love affairs were the subject of gossip throughout Europe, she was an able and enlightened despot, who successfully extended Russian territory and raised national prestige. She was also a generous patron of science and literature, which flourished during her reign.
“Standing, as I do, in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone. Edith Cavell, on the eve of her execution”
