Question

Охарактеризуйте основные направления государственной деятельности Екатерины 2. Можно ли говорить, что в своей политике Екатерина Великая была продолжительницей дел Петра Великого?

Answer 1

Направление её политики получило название "Просвященный абсолютизм" 
это политика,для которой характерно на практике применение некоторых идей французского Просвещения.Была направлена на укрепление позиций дворянства как социальной опоры абсолютизма.

Да, я думаю можно на памятнике Петру "Медный всадник" написана надпись "Петру I -Екатерина II" подчеркивая тем самым замысел императрицы: установить линию преемственности, наследия между деяниями Петра и собственной деятельностью.

Answer 2

Main Directions of Catherine the Great's State Activities

Catherine the Great, also known as Catherine II, was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. Her reign was marked by significant political, social, and cultural developments. Catherine's policies can be characterized by several main directions:

1. Internal Reforms: Catherine implemented various reforms aimed at modernizing and strengthening the Russian state. She continued the reforms initiated by her predecessor, Peter the Great, and expanded upon them. These reforms included improvements in education, healthcare, and the legal system. Catherine also encouraged the development of industry and agriculture, promoting economic growth within the country.

2. Expansion of Territory: Catherine pursued an aggressive foreign policy, which led to the expansion of the Russian Empire. She waged successful wars against the Ottoman Empire, Sweden, and Poland, acquiring significant territories in the process. The annexation of Crimea and the partitioning of Poland were among the notable territorial gains during her reign.

3. Enlightened Despotism: Catherine was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment and considered herself an enlightened monarch. She corresponded with prominent Enlightenment thinkers, such as Voltaire and Diderot, and supported the arts, literature, and education. However, it is important to note that Catherine's commitment to Enlightenment ideals was tempered by her autocratic rule and the need to maintain her own power.

4. Foreign Policy: Catherine aimed to establish Russia as a major European power and sought to maintain a balance of power on the continent. She pursued alliances and engaged in diplomatic negotiations with other European powers. Catherine also played a significant role in the partitioning of Poland, which reshaped the political map of Eastern Europe.

Continuation of Peter the Great's Policies

It can be argued that Catherine the Great continued and built upon the policies of Peter the Great. Both rulers sought to modernize and strengthen Russia, expand its territory, and establish it as a major European power. They shared a vision of Russia as a European state and implemented reforms to achieve this goal.

Catherine's policies were influenced by the reforms initiated by Peter the Great. She continued his efforts to modernize the Russian state, including improvements in education, industry, and the legal system. Catherine also expanded the Russian Empire through military conquests, similar to Peter's territorial expansion.

However, it is important to note that Catherine's reign was distinct from Peter's in several ways. She faced different challenges and pursued her own foreign policy objectives. While both rulers aimed to strengthen Russia, Catherine's policies were shaped by the specific circumstances of her reign and the geopolitical landscape of the time.

In conclusion, Catherine the Great's state activities can be characterized by internal reforms, territorial expansion, enlightened despotism, and a proactive foreign policy. While she continued and built upon some of the policies of Peter the Great, Catherine's reign had its own distinct features and challenges.