Catherine the Great, also known as Catherine II, was the Empress of Russia from 1762 until her death in 1796. When her husband Peter III ascended the throne in 1762, Catherine found herself unhappy with his rule. She orchestrated a successful coup d’état, assuming power as Empress of Russia. Catherine embraced Enlightenment ideas and implemented various reforms that improved the administration, education, and arts in Russia. Her reign was marked by significant cultural advancements, with the creation of the renowned Hermitage Museum and the establishment of the Free Economic Society and Russian Academy of Sciences. Despite facing challenges and political controversies, Catherine is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential rulers in Russian history.