Sophia of Anhalf-Zerbst was born on May 2, 1729 in the German town of Stettin (Szczecin, today Poland). She was born to a minor German prince, into a society that legally segregated and isolated its female population. Even though society was against her, her father recognized her for her great ability to learn and memorize concepts and ideas. After proving her ideas and abilities, she received formal education. In 1744, at the age of 14, she married Grand Duke Peter of Holstein, heir to the Russian throne. Even though Sophie was German, she tried to be as Russian as her mother-in-law. Sophie not only studied the Russian language, but she also took the name Catherine II to honor her mother who was also named Catherine. Therefore, to complete her transition from German to Russian, she also converted to the Russian Orthodox Church so that she could marry into the imperial line. Catherine II, or Catherine the Great, reigned as Empress of Russia from June 28, 1762 until her death. on November 17, 1796 and perhaps one of the most important rulers of the Russian Empire. She became one of the greatest and most influential political leaders of the 18th century by continuing the process of Westernization that "Peter the Great" introduced to Russia. As empress, she played an important role in improving the lives of Russian serfs, limited the practice of torture, improved education, perfected Russian culture, strengthened the government, made of Russia one of the most dominant European countries and conquered the Mongols and The Caucasus therefore expands Russian territory. Through her achievements, she was able to lay the foundations of “Westernization” for the 19th and 20th centuries, helping to shape and change the world. » Biography online May 28, 2010 “Catherine II of Russia” Fact Index May 28, 2010 “Historical myths: the death of Catherine the Great” About May 29, 2010Ursula Grosser Dixon “The reign of Catherine II” Tripod May 30, 2010Michael Streich « Pugachev's revolt in southern Russia The last great The peasant uprising threatened Catherine the Great » Suite 101 May 30, 2010 “Catherine the Great Empress of Russia” Petersburg-Russia May 31 2010