Summary of "Catherine the Great: Life of the Week" – History Extra Podcast
Podcast Title: History Extra Podcast
Host: Danny Bird
Guest: Janet Hartley, Emeritus Professor at the London School of Economics
Episode Release Date: December 31, 2024
Episode Title: Catherine the Great: Life of the Week
Introduction
In this episode of Life of the Week, host Danny Bird engages in an in-depth conversation with historian Janet Hartley about Catherine the Great, one of Russia's most influential and complex monarchs. The discussion explores Catherine's rise to power, her enlightened reforms, the challenges she faced, and her enduring legacy.
Early Life and Background
Janet Hartley begins by outlining Catherine's origins:
“She was born in 1729 in Stettin, now in Poland... Princess Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst... brought up to be marriageable material, learning French, dancing, and courtly behavior.”
[03:17]
Catherine hailed from an obscure German princely family, which positioned her as a suitable candidate for marriage into European royal courts without disrupting the balance of power.
Marriage to Peter III and Rise to Power
Catherine's marriage to Peter III was marked by incompatibility and political maneuvering:
“She was only 15 when she arrived in Russia. She married Peter within a year, but their marriage was failing...”
[04:56]
Their union produced a son, but the relationship remained tumultuous. Catherine's discontent and political acumen eventually led to her audacious coup:
“Catherine, dressed in a guard's regiment on horseback, led this coup of loyal guards regiments to the Winter Palace... Peter gave up power rather like a child being sent to bed.”
[06:34]
Her successful takeover was aided by Peter III's unpopularity and the support of key Russian elites, culminating in Peter's death, which solidified her position as Empress.
Enlightened Despotism and Domestic Reforms
Catherine embraced Enlightenment ideals to modernize Russia, embodying the role of an enlightened despot:
“She corresponded with the era's leading philosophers... produced the Great Instruction, drawing from Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws.”
[11:26]
Her reforms included:
- Administrative Overhaul: Streamlining central and local administration to increase efficiency.
- Legal Reforms: Introducing new legal structures inspired by Western philosophies.
- Education: Establishing national schools with modern curricula based on Swiss writers.
- Cultural Flourishing: Promoting theater, translations, and printing presses to integrate Russian society with Western Europe.
Despite these advancements, her reforms did not address serfdom, maintaining a rigid social hierarchy.
Challenges: Pugachev's Rebellion
One of the most significant threats to Catherine's reign was Pugachev's Rebellion (1773-1775):
“Pugachev styled himself Peter III... sacked several major towns, including Kazan.”
[17:56]
The uprising exposed deep-seated resentments among serfs, Cossacks, and oppressed ethnic groups. Catherine's response was swift and brutal:
“Catherine tries to project that as part of her more enlightened way... Pugachev was brought back in a cage and executed.”
[21:45]
The rebellion forced Catherine to implement further administrative reforms, increasing bureaucratic oversight in the countryside to prevent future uprisings.
Expansion of the Russian Empire and Foreign Policies
Catherine the Great significantly expanded Russia's territory, enhancing its status as a European powerhouse:
“Russia's borders expand west... annexed Crimea in 1783, founded cities like Potyomkin and Kherson.”
[22:35]
Her foreign policies included:
- War with the Ottoman Empire: Securing access to the Black Sea, crucial for naval development.
- Partitions of Poland and Lithuania: Acquiring vast territories that bolstered Russia's economic and strategic position.
- Establishing Naval Bases: Developing ports that became central to Russia's Mediterranean ambitions.
These expansions not only increased Russia's geographic reach but also solidified its influence and fear among other European powers.
Legacy and the Title "The Great"
Catherine's moniker "The Great" stems from her substantial contributions to Russia's development:
“She expands Russian power in Europe... reforms made Russia part of Western developments.”
[25:39]
However, her legacy is nuanced:
- Positive Aspects: Modernization efforts, cultural patronage, and territorial expansion.
- Criticisms: Failure to address serfdom, superficial reforms, and the oppressive measures against rebels.
“If you look at it from a Russian perspective... she is great.”
[25:49]
Despite mixed reviews, Catherine's impact on Russia's trajectory justifies her esteemed title.
Modern Perceptions and Legacy in Russia, Ukraine, and Poland
Catherine's legacy varies across regions:
-
Poland: Maintains a hostile view due to the brutal suppression of Polish independence and the partitioning of Poland, which led to significant civilian casualties.
“Catherine's very oppressive actions have left Poles with a deeply negative view of her legacy.”
[28:11] -
Ukraine: Exhibits ambivalence; while Catherine expanded Russian territory into western Ukraine, her legacy is complicated by later historical events and contemporary political dynamics.
“The restoration and subsequent removal of Catherine's statue in Odessa reflect ongoing ambivalence.”
[28:11] -
Russia: Generally honors her as a transformative leader, though modern political shifts may influence perceptions.
Rumors, Legends, and Personal Intrigues
Catherine's personal life has been the subject of numerous rumors and legends, contributing to her enigmatic reputation:
“She did have a lot of lovers... more shocking because a woman should do it.”
[31:57]
Factors fueling these stories include:
- Multiple Lovers: Her numerous affairs, including with Potyomkin, sparked gossip and scandal.
- Gender Dynamics: As a powerful woman in a male-dominated society, her sexual and political autonomy was both admired and maligned.
- Success and Fear: Her effective rule and expansionist policies made her a target for both admiration and intrigue.
“There was an element of fear as well as repulsion about Catherine.”
[31:57]
Relationships with European Thinkers
Catherine actively engaged with leading European intellectuals, integrating Enlightenment ideas into her governance:
“She corresponded with Baron Gryn, with Voltaire as an equal, with Diderot.”
[34:10]
Her interactions included:
- Influence of Montesquieu: Adapting his theories to Russian governance.
- Conversations with Diderot: While enthusiastic, Catherine sometimes found Enlightenment thinkers frustrating for not understanding the complexities of ruling a vast empire.
“She took ideas from the philosophes... but she didn't in herself contribute to that philosophical thought.”
[34:10]
Catherine's intellectual pursuits reinforced her image as an enlightened ruler committed to modernizing Russia.
Conclusion
Janet Hartley's analysis paints Catherine the Great as a multifaceted leader whose ambition, intelligence, and adaptability transformed Russia into a formidable European power. While her reign was marred by oppression and rebellion, her enlightened reforms and territorial expansions left an indelible mark on Russian history. Catherine's legacy continues to evoke mixed reactions, reflecting the complexities of her rule and the enduring impact of her policies.
“She is great... in her reign, she showed that up to a certain level, Russia could share in those developments.”
[25:49]
Notable Quotes:
- Janet Hartley: “She was born in 1729 in Stettin... brought up to be marriageable material...” [03:17]
- Janet Hartley: “Catherine, dressed in a guard's regiment on horseback, led this coup...” [06:34]
- Janet Hartley: “She corresponded with the era's leading philosophers...” [11:26]
- Janet Hartley: “Pugachev styled himself Peter III... sacked several major towns...” [17:56]
- Janet Hartley: “She expand Russian power in Europe...” [25:39]
- Janet Hartley: “She did have a lot of lovers... more shocking because a woman should do it.” [31:57]
- Janet Hartley: “If you look at it from a Russian perspective... she is great.” [25:49]
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of Catherine the Great's life, governance, and enduring legacy.