7 The 100 Most Influential World Leaders of All Time 7The empress Elizabeth died on Dec. 25, 1761. Shortly
after Elizabeth’s death, Peter, now emperor, ended
Russia’s participation in the Seven Years’ War against
Prussia and concluded an alliance with Frederick II of
Prussia. He made no attempt to hide his hatred of Russia
and his love of his native Germany. Peter discredited
himself endlessly by his foolish actions. Catherine had
only to strike. She had the support of the army, “enlight-
ened” elements of aristocratic society (she was known for
her liberal opinions), and the public in both Moscow and
St. Petersburg. On June 28, 1762, she had herself pro-
claimed empress. Peter III abdicated and was assassinated
eight days later.
Early Years as Empress
Catherine’s most pressing practical problem was to replen-
ish the state treasury. She did this in 1762 by secularizing
the property of the clergy, who owned one-third of the
land and serfs in Russia. She preserved friendly relations
with Prussia, Russia’s old enemy, as well as with the coun-
try’s traditional allies, France and Austria. In 1764 she
installed one of her old lovers, Stanisław Poniatowski, as
king of Poland.
Catherine’s attempts at reform were less than satisfy-
ing. A commission she convened in 1767 for the purpose of
framing a constitution came to nothing. Catherine’s
Instruction to the commission, a draft of a constitution
and a code of laws, was considered too liberal for Russia.
Catherine seized the pretext of war with Turkey in
1768 to emphasize national grandeur. The war with the
Ottoman Empire fired the patriotism and zeal of
Catherine’s subjects. Naval victory at Çeşme in 1770
brought military glory to the empress. But Russia soon
encountered unforeseen difficulties, including a plague