Carolyn Harris: History vs. Russia’s most infamous empress

History vs. Russia’s most infamous empress

Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia for over three decades, used strategic dalliances, military might, and cutting-edge philosophy to modernize, expand, and transform the Russian Empire. But was she a dedicated ruler determined to move Russia into the future, or a ruthless monarch who oppressed anyone who questioned her? Carolyn Harris puts this controversial figure on trial. [Directed by Brett Underhill, PorkchopBob Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

Catherine the Great seized power through political cunning and never hesitated to remove obstacles, even sanctioning the imprisonment and death of rivals. She embraced Enlightenment ideas, modernized Russia’s laws, and promoted education, yet extended these benefits mainly to the elite. Her expansionist campaigns reshaped Europe and her reign saw brutal crackdowns on dissent, including the public execution of rebels. Though celebrated for transforming Russia, her legacy remains divided between progress and oppression.

Catherine The Great, Enlightened Reformer Or Ruthless Despot

Catherine the Great used ambition, intellect, and force to expand and modernize the Russian Empire. She rose to power amid palace intrigue and maintained her rule through alliances and suppression of rivals. Her reign saw the opening of schools for girls, legal reforms, and the promotion of the arts, yet she ignored the plight of serfs and brutally quelled revolts. In the end, her legacy is a study in both progress and oppression.