The Leadership of Catherine the Great

~Aritra Biswas

Catherine II of Russia or Catherine the Great was also the most remarkable ruler in the history of Europe as she ruled the country between 1762 and 1796. Her reign politically, culturally and territorially transformed Russia and made it a formidable power in the continent. Good and bad at the same time, intelligent, ambitious, and politically shrewd, Catherine left behind her a legacy that is both admirable and confusing.

The view of Enlightened Absolutism

Catherine thought she should be a rational despot, a king who was absolute in power and ruled by reason and by the principles of progress. She was also inspired by enlightenment philosophers like Voltaire, Diderot and Montesquieu as a reformer. She also wrote widely to philosophers and put herself across as a patron of thought. Her Nakaz (Instruction), which was intended to serve a proposed law commission, advocated equality before the law, denounced torture, and stressed reasoned legal systems. Even though most of these were not well practiced, they indicated her wishes of modernizing the Russian rule.

Law and Administrative Reforms.

The leadership by Catherine was especially strong in the administration. She also divided the empire into provinces and districts in order to enhance efficiency as well as law enforcement and collection of taxes. This system empowered the central authority and gave the local officials more power. She also tried to reform the judicial system by isolating the courts in terms of functions and class and desired a more systematic legal system. Although the reaction of nobles restricted the effectiveness of legal reforms, the administrative reforms of Catherine produced a better structured and controlled state apparatus.

Connection with the Nobility and Serfdom

Catherine was the greatest hypocrite on the issue of how she treated the peasantry. On the one hand, she was in favor of the ideals of Enlightenment, but on the other hand, she used the nobility as a source of power. In order to win their loyalty she increased the privileges of the nobility and permitted the persistence- possibly the increase- of serfdom. The conditions of serfs were severe, and the significant rebellions, including the Rebellion of Pugachev, showed great social tension. To strengthen state power Catherine took a firm reply against any serious intentions to abolish serfdom. This was a pragmatic decision that guaranteed stability in politics but has been one of the biggest weaknesses about her reign.

Sponsor of Education and Culture

Catherine saw national strength in the cultural progress. She was the top investor in education and she established schools, academies, and girls institutions, which was an uncommon move during those days. She stimulated scientific work, literature and theater and invited foreign scholars and artists to Russia. The Hermitage Museum was established out of her great art collection. With her, St. Petersburg became a cultural center, and Russia became a civilized European power.

Foreign Policy and Territorial Expansion

Catherine equally led with great force around the globe. She followed a militant but rational diplomatic approach to foreign policy with the idea of increasing the frontiers and influence of Russia. In wars won successfully against the Ottoman Empire, Russia was able to reach the Black Sea which became a source of trade and naval strength. Catherine was also instrumental in the partitions of Poland that pushed the Russian land to the west. Such activities enhanced the prestige of Russia and also made it a significant political player in Europe.

Personal Authority and Leadership Style

Catherine was powerful, disciplined and political. She used discretion in maintaining reform with control; as she rewarded and punished loyalty. Her leadership was charismatic and authoritative at the same time; she would listen to advisors but decide on matters on her own. Catherine realized the value of image and propaganda and she appeared as an intelligent, civilized, and generous ruler. This is the skill to rule and be respected and at the same time, to exercise authority, which was also at the heart of her long and stable reign.

History and Traditional Values

The reign of Catherine the Great had a permanent influence on Russia. She also increased the empire, improved administration, boosted culture and improved the international status of the Russians. However, inequality and repression, especially of serfs, were characteristics of her reign as well. This was the promise and restrictions of enlightened absolutism in her leadership.

Catherine is not only remembered in history as a ruler, she can be remembered as a stateswoman who transformed the fate of Russia. Her intellect, desire to be and her political ability helped her to lead one of the biggest empires in the world successfully throughout the period of three decades. Irrespective of the contradictions, her leadership provided the groundwork that transformed Russia over the generations and made her the great.