Because of the numerous reforms which she made to Russia during her reign, however she wasn't a total despot because she let the nobels ginfluence her decisions greatly.
It had nothing to do with the fact she was married to Peter III - she had her lover murder him so that she could become ruler.
Catherine the Great was very open to the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers. People like Voltaire helped her form how she ruled her kingdom. She wanted to allow everyone a chance. Sadly, she is most remembered for expanding Russia's territory.
The Russian empress Catherine II (1729-1796), known as Catherine the Great, reigned from 1762 to 1796. She expanded the Russian Empire, improved administration, and vigorously pursued the policy of Westernization. Her reputation as an "enlightened despot," however, is not wholly supported by her deeds. http://wiki.answers.com/Who_was_Catherine_the_Great#ixzz1YQfNdcQN
She was empress or tsarina of Russia Also westernizing Russia in 1569
Peter the great and Catherine the Great were considered great absolute monarchs. The reason for this is that they were interested in making Russia better and stronger.
considering a law code that would treat allcitizens equally
Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great was known as an "Enlightened Despot," because she reigned during the Age of the Enlightenment when she and other monarchs like her such as Frederick the Great and Joseph II, began to understand the concepts of reason, natural law and other ideas being developed at the time by various philosophers. Most importantly, the "enlightened despot" realized that even though she or he had monarchic powers, they had an obligation to use those powers for the good of their subjects rather than just for themselves.
The major enlightened despots were Frederick the Great of Prussia, Catherine the Great of Russia and Joseph II of Austria.
The ruler of Russia during the Enlightenment was Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great of Russia was considered among the so-called "enlightened despots" or enlightened monarchs." During the Age of Enlightenment several monarchs began to realize philosophically that their function was to rule for the the benefit of their subjects as much as for the benefit of themselves. In other words it wasn't just "me, me, me." Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great of Prussia and Joseph II of Austria are the three most notable "enlightened despots."
Frederick the Great of Prussia exemplified an Enlightenment despot through his commitment to rational governance and reforms aimed at modernizing his state. He implemented policies that promoted religious tolerance, legal reform, and education, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of reason and progress. Additionally, he sought to strengthen the state while maintaining absolute power, balancing the interests of the monarchy with the welfare of his subjects. His patronage of the arts and philosophy further aligned him with the intellectual currents of the Enlightenment.
Frederick the Great of Prussia exemplified an Enlightenment despot through his commitment to rational governance and reforms that reflected Enlightenment ideals. He implemented legal and educational reforms, promoted religious tolerance, and supported the arts and sciences, all while maintaining strong centralized authority. His belief in the "philosopher king" model highlighted his view that rulers should use their power to improve the welfare of their subjects, embodying the Enlightenment focus on reason and progress. However, he still upheld autocratic control, illustrating the complexities of Enlightenment despotism.
Catherine the Great contributed to Enlightenment ideas by promoting education and culture, implementing legal reforms, and fostering the arts and sciences in Russia. She corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire and supported religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and the betterment of her subjects' lives through reforms.
Catherine the Great of Russia was considered among the so-called "enlightened despots" or enlightened monarchs." During the Age of Enlightenment several monarchs began to realize philosophically that their function was to rule for the the benefit of their subjects as much as for the benefit of themselves. In other words it wasn't just "me, me, me." Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great of Prussia and Joseph II of Austria are the three most notable "enlightened despots."
The Enlightenment despot who famously traveled among the peasants in disguise to learn about their problems was Frederick the Great of Prussia. He believed in the principles of the Enlightenment and sought to understand the needs and concerns of his subjects. This practice reflected his commitment to reform and his desire to govern more effectively by being in touch with the realities of his people's lives. Frederick's efforts aimed to implement policies that would benefit his nation and improve the welfare of his citizens.
Catherine the Great was very open to the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers. People like Voltaire helped her form how she ruled her kingdom. She wanted to allow everyone a chance. Sadly, she is most remembered for expanding Russia's territory.
Interesting question. Turns out Voltaire and Catherine the Great carried on a long correspondence for about 10 years. Voltaire respected Catherine and referred to her as an "enlightened despot". Although he disapproved of her extravagant court, he admired her strong leadership and rule. He also called her the "Star of the North". He thought so highly of Catherine, he evidently kept a portrait of her in his bedroom. Catherine corresponded with some of the greatest minds of the era and encouraged arts, philosophy and sciences.