Catherines Influence On Russian Culture

From the get-go, Catherine was bringing in Euroepan Influence into Russia.  She had numerous paintings, books, etc shipped in to Russia.  She displayed many great works of art in her home.  She also read a tremendous amount.  She wrote many plays, comedies, and memoirs.  She was also very good friends with many of the great encyclopedists of the time like Voltaire, [Diderot], and [d Alembert]. Her friendship with these cool guys, also helped propel Catherine into her status as a contemporary lady which many liked about her.

Catherine absolutely loved art.  During her reign, her art collection reached an astounding 3926 pieces!  She had many palaces built during her time and the Hermitage.  She also built many theathers and opera houses so the citizens could enjoy such events. Catherine like to read too and during her time at the throne, the Imperial library was increased from a few hundred volumes to thiry-eight thousand.

Her is a list of some other great things Catherine did.  It shows her interest in improving Russian's industries, education, and medical practices.

• 1764-Count Betskoy is commissioned to draw up plans for the education of both boys and girls. This begins Catherine's drive for European-style education. Schools and universities were founded throughout her reign including the Smolny Institute for Girls in St. Petersberg.
• 1767-Influenced by the French Enlightenment, Catherine forms a commission for legal reform
• 1778-Catherine acquires Voltaire’s entire library after his death
• She founded the first School of Mines in St. Petersburg
• Catherine founded factories for textiles outside the Moscow region, for linen in the area of Yaroslov and for leather and candles in the central Volga region. The total number of factories during her reign was increased from 984 to 3161.
• Catherine brought in German, Austrian and French craftsmen to update the Imperial porcelain works
• As early as 1765 three quarters of the Empress Elizabeth's debt was repaid, and a budget deficit had been turned into a surplus
• 1786, Catherine issued the Statue for Schools for all of Russia. Every district town was to establish a minor school with two teachers, every provincial town a major school with six teachers
• 1763 Catherine had founded Russia's first College of Medicine, consisting of a director, a president and eight member. 

Here are some [Pictures] of various things from Catherines reign for your viewing pleasure!