•Russian ruler
•Well-versed in Enlightenment works
•“Westernizing” Russia
catherine portrait
Catherine II of Russia, often called “Catherine the Great,” was also attracted to Enlightenment ideas. She immersed herself in the works of leading thinkers, focusing in particular on the French philosophes. She corresponded with such notables as Voltaire and Diderot and also composed several comedies, works of fiction, and memoirs.

During her reign, she made determined efforts to “westernize” Russia. In the cultural arena, she brought in several leading European intellectuals in order to introduce the Russian elite to Enlightenment ideas. She also bought and imported a vast amount of art. Economically, she made attempts to get foreign capitalists to invest in Russia; she also championed efforts to modernize industry and agriculture.