Catherine the Great - The German Princess Who Stole Russia

☕ Support The Long Shadow and get the full written video scripts (text) and audio formats → https://buymeacoffee.com/thelongshadow Catherine the Great was not born Russian, not born royal, and never meant to rule an empire. Yet she became one of the most powerful monarchs in European history. In this full life documentary, we explore how Catherine the Great seized the Russian throne, expanded the empire, corresponded with Enlightenment philosophers, and reshaped the balance of power in Europe. From her early life as a minor German princess to the dramatic coup of 1762, from the Nakaz legal reforms to the annexation of Crimea and the partitions of Poland, this documentary breaks down the real story behind the legend. Was she truly an “Enlightened Despot”? Or did her reign deepen the very injustices she claimed to reform? We examine Catherine the Great’s relationship with Peter III, her partnership with Potemkin, the Pugachev Rebellion, her stance on serfdom, and her response to the French Revolution. This is the complete biography — power, politics, philosophy, empire-building, and legacy. If you’re interested in Russian history, European monarchy, Enlightenment philosophy, or the rise of imperial Russia, this deep dive into Catherine the Great will change how you see her forever. Chapters: 00:00:00 The Woman Who Rewrote Russia 00:04:37 Europe Before Catherine 00:09:23 Sophia of Stettin 00:14:09 The Education of an Outsider 00:19:12 The Summons from St. Petersburg 00:24:04 Becoming Catherine 00:28:48 The Marriage 00:33:27 The Court of Empress Elizabeth 00:38:23 Reading the Philosophes 00:44:10 The Lovers and the Loneliness 00:49:00 Peter the Third - Six Months 00:53:29 The Coup - July Seventeen Sixty Two 00:57:39 The Death of Peter the Third 01:01:24 Securing the Throne 01:05:31 The Nakaz 01:10:19 The Legislative Commission 01:14:24 War with the Ottomans 01:18:38 The Pugachev Rebellion 01:23:15 Serfdom and the Betrayal 01:28:58 The Provincial Reform 01:33:51 Potemkin - The Partnership 01:39:20 Annexation of Crimea 01:44:16 The Partitions of Poland 01:48:51 The French Revolution and Catherine’s Turn 01:53:15 The Arts, Science, and the Hermitage 01:58:15 The Final Years 02:02:14 Death in St. Petersburg 02:05:49 Paul and the Reversal 02:09:37 The Legend vs. The Woman 02:14:27 The Enlightened Despot 02:19:21 Closing - The Long Shadow Please subscribe here    / @thelongshadoww   If you enjoyed the video, check out our related playlists below    • Great Philosophers of History – Documentaries      • American Icons – History Documentaries      • Great Roman Emperors – History Documentaries      • Great Warriors and Freedom Fighters – Hist...      • The Great Writers of History - Documentaries      • Influential Figures of History   #history #biography #thelongshadow ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This video is created for educational and informational purposes only. The content is based on historical records, academic research, and reputable sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, interpretations of historical events and figures may vary, and viewers are encouraged to consult multiple sources for a broader perspective. To maintain a consistent and immersive presentation style, this channel may use synthesized voiceovers and AI-assisted visuals. However, all research, scripting, narrative structure, and editorial decisions are original and guided by human creators.