Catherine the Great - Succession - Extra History - Part 6
Extra History・8 minutes read
Catherine aimed to keep Poland passive under Russian influence, while Frederick the Great suggested dividing Poland among Prussia, Austria, and Russia to maintain balance in Eastern Europe. Catherine's reign ended with a focus on succession, leaving behind an insecure and paranoid son, Paul, who struggled with his responsibilities before ultimately inheriting a larger, stronger Russia under his mother's legacy.
Insights
- Catherine the Great aimed to solidify Russian influence over Poland by investing heavily in military and financial resources to keep Poland subdued.
- Paul, Catherine's son, struggled with insecurity and paranoia due to his mother's neglect, but showed promise as a ruler during his European tour, hinting at potential despite his troubled upbringing.
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Recent questions
What was Catherine the Great's goal for Poland?
Influence and keep Poland passive under Russia.
How did Frederick the Great propose to handle Poland?
Divide it among Prussia, Austria, and Russia.
What were the challenges faced by Paul, Catherine the Great's son?
Struggled with insecurities and paranoia.
How did Catherine the Great's policies change towards the end of her reign?
Experienced regression due to events like the Pugachev rebellion and the French Revolution.
How did Catherine the Great's legacy impact Russia?
Left behind a larger, stronger Russia under her legacy.
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Summary
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Catherine's Legacy: Poland, Paul, and Russia
- Catherine aimed to make Poland's decline permanent, using vast troops and treasure to keep Poland passive and under Russian influence.
- Frederick the Great proposed a solution to maintain the balance of power in Eastern Europe by dividing Poland among Prussia, Austria, and Russia.
- Catherine's reign ended with a focus on succession, highlighting her failure to groom a capable heir, leaving behind a son, Paul, who struggled with insecurities and paranoia.
- Paul's first marriage ended tragically, leading to a second marriage that brought him some stability and support, showing glimpses of potential as a ruler during his European tour.
- Despite positive traits, Catherine continued to dismiss Paul from any state responsibilities, fueling his anxiety and paranoia, leading to rumors of his potential disinheritance.
- Catherine's last days saw a regression in her policies due to events like the Pugachev rebellion and the French Revolution, ultimately leading to her death in 1796, leaving behind a larger, stronger Russia under her legacy.
