jan 1, 1753 - Catherine the Great

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Overthrowing her husband the Emperor Peter III in a coup only 6 months into his reign, Catherine always intended that she be the true power ruling Russia. She intensely dislikes her husband, who was known for being "difficult" and abrasive, alienating even his own supporters and servants.

Catherine's reign would be one that saw Russia's great strides in international affairs, as they were universally understood to be a great power in their own right. Catherine would attempt to mediate between foreign powers in an attempt to maintain a balance of power and general peace, while also pursuing the expansion of Imperial Russia's borders, particularly at the expense of the Ottoman Empire.

Despite all this, Catherine would perhaps be best remembered for her series of lovers that she entertained, as well as some bizarre stories surrounding her sexual preferences.

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