Catherine the Great’s reign marked an era of splendour, military triumphs, and political transformation. Standing on the shoulders of the formidable women who preceded her, she wielded propaganda masterfully, cultivating an image of power, and was both loved and feared, domestically and abroad. Her rule saw Russia expand its territories and influence, but it came at the cost of vanity, paranoia, and ruthless pragmatism that were the hallmarks of her predecessors Olga, Anna and Elizabeth who also forged their paths through sheer will in a male dominated society. Despite her Enlightenment ideals, Catherine, like the matriarchs before her, ruthlessly suppressed her opponents- and even legitimate heirs, just to maintain a firm grip on power. While female rulers like Catherine the Great, Elizabeth, and Olga the Viking shared many traits with their male counterparts—ambition, ruthlessness, and a desire for power—their approach to governance often displayed different priorities. They leaned toward diplomacy, cultural development, and fostering a distinctly Russian identity, with greater emphasis on social reforms. While not shying away from conflict, they tended to prioritise stability and internal growth as well as to develop Russia’s unique cultural and intellectual image.
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