The Impacts of Catherine the Great on Russian "enlightened" society

In accessing the actual "greatness" attributed to Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia during the European Enlightenment, one must look at all aspects of her rule. Her outgoing personality left her to be described as anything from "terrible" to "great". She could be deceptive yet honest, humorous yet firm, and light-hearted yet wise. Thus the Enlightenment would not have been a part of Russian history if not for the determination of Catherine the Great. Catherine …

…in a country in the state that Russia was in would be able to solve all of its social problems. Good or bad in a person's eyes, Catherine the Great did an unimaginable amount for her country. Her insight and intellect brought Russia into the age of enlightenment to eventually catch up with the rest of world. Catherine's ruling will forever be studied as she over came an unbearable load which was bestowed upon her.