Topic > Catherine the Great's Influence on Russia's Export Trade The two sources evaluated in this section provide part of the answer to the question above. The first source to evaluate is a primary source written by the historical figure being investigated. This source contains the set of new laws and reforms that Empress Catherine wanted to have under her rule and shows relevance to the topic of the piece. The second source evaluated is a secondary source that analyzes and evaluates Catherine the Great's multiple memoirs and plays. This source goes on to discuss the image of Russia that the empress wanted to impress on Europe. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Empress of Russia Catherine II created and wrote the document, Nakaz or The Instructions of Catherine II to the Legislative Commission, in 1764. The document was published in 1767 when the German edition was sent to Frederick II of Prussia and the French one to Voltaire. The document was personally written by the monarch, revised and edited by his two most esteemed advisors, Nikita Panin and Grigory Orlov. The author created the document to replace the Moscow code of laws of the mid-17th century with a more modern code of laws in the 18th century. Catherine believed that strengthening the law and institutions meant above all strengthening the monarchy and its government. The document was intended for the All-Russian Legislative Commission. The document was a declaration of new legal principles. This document is a very valuable source because it provides an example of Empress Catherine II's views and future plans. This second source is an excerpt of the chapter, part of a complete book written by Monika Greenleaf. The article was published in July 2004 by the Russian Review. The author is an associate professor of Slavic languages and literatures and comparative literature at Stanford University and is a successful published author. This fact makes his work that much more valuable as the author goes on to evaluate the multiple memoirs of Catherine the Great. The entire book was not fully accessible, but the document stated that Catherine's imperial might and power were necessary to conduct successful military actions and expand Russian territory. Finally, compared to the other source evaluated, this source did not have as much information to share as the other document. Investigation Catherine II, or as she is more known as Catherine the Great, is one of Russia's most memorable and influential past monarchs as she was an enlightened despot of the 18th century. Catherine, born Sophia Augusta Frederica of Anhalt-Zerbst in Stettin, Prussian Pomerania on 2 May 1729, was trained by her mother from an early age to be eligible for marriage to a king. Which happened when, at the age of 15, the young Prussian was promised in marriage to the presumed heir to the Russian throne, Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich. Through a coup, Catherine ascended the Russian throne. He played a key role in the three partitions of Poland and also achieved various military successes in the conquest of neighboring countries. In her economic policies Catherine followed the trends of her era and adopted the doctrine of laissez-faire. Without attempting any regulation, she was interested in the development of industry and trade, especially export trade. The Black Sea grain trade was made possible after the colonization of southern Russia, the construction of numerous citiesand the establishment of the Russian naval base in Sevastopol. Among his economic measures were the creation of the Loan Bank, the introduction of paper money, the reduction of the burdensome salt tax and the encouragement of the Free Economic Society, founded on private initiative for the dissemination of information on agriculture (Catherine the Great) . The Empress was extremely influenced by the Enlightenment period of the time and the philosophers. She even considered herself an enlightened ruler and wanted to raise Russia's culture and economy to put it on a par with all other European superpowers. Catherine transformed Russia into a great power. The most cultured ruler in Russian history, Catherine constantly patronized cultural life; in particular a flurry of magazines and satirical plays were published anonymously with his significant participation. The basis of each of his fictional literary works was based on his opinions and observations through his Enlightenment philosophy of Russian culture. When Catherine ascended the throne, she realized that her laws were clearly outdated and needed to be changed. To change these laws he wrote the Nakaz or, Catherine II's Instructions to the Legislative Commission, as guidelines for changing these rules. One of these guidelines states: “This is clearly demonstrated by the following observations: the changes made by Peter the Great in Russia succeeded with greater ease, because the customs then prevailing had been introduced among us by a mixture of the different Nations, and the conquest of foreign territories, were completely unsuitable for the climate. Peter I, introducing the manners and customs of Europe among the European peoples in his dominions, then found means which not even he himself was optimistic enough to expect” (The instructions to the commissioners for the composition of a new code or laws). The empress thought that the previous emperor, her husband, was right in trying to expand Russian borders. And this was something that Caterina wanted with all her heart. The first experience of military command that Catherine II had was during the coup to abdicate Peter I. She put on the uniform and led her loyal soldiers to convince her husband to abdicate. Although there was no major battle or any loss of life, this moment counted for the military's continued respect and support. The next military movement he made was against the Ottoman Empire, now known as Türkiye, after sending soldiers to put down an uprising in Poland. Russian forces pursued Polish rebels into the Ottoman Empire; and with some persuasion from the French the Ottomans imprisoned the Russian ambassador and declared war on Russia. The Russian army proved to be more powerful and stronger than the Ottoman forces. On land, the Russians launched a series of brutal attacks, and at sea the Russian navy launched a surprise attack that gave them an even greater advantage. To end the war, the Treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca was drawn up. It gave the Russians quite a bit of land and some new ports in the Black Sea (ExtraCreditz). By conquering these new ports, Russia was able to expand its export trade with other countries that were not easily accessible geographically. After successful victories in the Ottoman Empire and at home, Catherine sought to expand Russia's borders. And he did it. While the rest of Europe was engulfed in its own wars, Catherine was able to invade and possess new lands and territories in Crimea, Georgia, and others surrounding Russia's limited borders. As these new lands came under her rule, the empress encouraged settlers to settle there and become part of the dominion of the Ottoman Empire. He also encouraged trade by eliminating various restrictions and promoting the development of..
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