during the reign of Empress Catherine II was marred as an array of social problems that have arisen in the Russian Empire, and a hitherto unseen scale of favoritism.Young suitors who surrounded the Empress provided a sharply negative impact on domestic and foreign policy of the state.The representatives of the upper strata of the nobility began to seek personal gain through flattery new favorite of Catherine the Great, thus undermining all the rules of morality and social conventions of the time.Of course, in no way can not detract from the great importance in the development of Russia, which is the era of the reign of Empress.However, we will not describe in detail the state acts and deeds of Catherine II, and will try to talk about the personal life of a woman, who left a truly indelible mark in the history of our country.
Princess Fike
Future "grace of God, the All-Russian Empress and autocrat" Catherine has received from his contemporaries the title "the Great", was born on April 21, 1729 in the Prussian town of Stettin.Major General, Colonel Prussian army Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst and his wife, Johanna Elizabeth, gave his first-born - a daughter - a beautiful German name - Sophia Augusta Frederica.Despite the fact that her parents were related to many royal houses of Europe (the father had the title of prince, and even later became the owner of the German Duchy of Zerbst and his mother was born a princess of Holstein-Gottorp), her childhood was a little like living a special "royal blood".Living in an ordinary German house, Fike, affectionately called her daughter parents are usually prepared for a girl from a bourgeois family of that time education at home, which must include the ability to cook and clean.
Home "royal" way
In 1744, under the patronage of the Prussian King Frederick the Great, the mother of Sofia in August to have been caused by Empress Elizabeth, was looking for a bride for his son to St. Petersburg.In Russia, a German princess, and took baptism in the Orthodox tradition was named Ekaterina Alekseevna.In 1745 she married the Grand Duke Peter Fedorovich, the future Emperor Peter III.Family Life Young at the outset nezaladilas.The heir to the throne, whether because of their immaturity or dementia, or simply from "dislike" was very cool with his wife.Even on their wedding night, he did not pay any attention to the young bride.She differing irrepressible sexual temperament, just needed a man's attention and, according to contemporaries, immediately after the wedding started to openly flirt with gentlemen.
first serious love
During the life of her husband at the future Empress appeared secret lover.They became Sergei Saltykov (1726-1765), a noble gentleman princely family, who had the rank of chamberlain of the Grand Duke.Saltykov at the time they turned 26 years of dating.He became the first favorite of Catherine II and the only one of all those who were older than her.Communication between young people lasted from 1752 by 1754, before the birth of the son of Catherine - heir to the throne - Paul Petrovich.Many contemporaries attributed Saltykov true paternity of Paul.Like it or not, is not known, the Empress these rumors never denied.As for Sergei Vasilyevich - he in the same year was sent envoy to Europe, where for a long time corresponded with the beloved.It is with Saltykov begin their countdown favorite of Catherine the Great, whose portraits are well preserved to this day.
Love Two: young Pole
Catherine, as a young, active, and very nutty woman simply could not remain alone.In 1756, she had a new lover.They became Stanislaw August Poniatowski (1732-1798), a well-educated diplomat, soon became a Polish ambassador in St. Petersburg.According to rumors, it is from this context, the future empress in 1757 gave birth to a daughter, Anna, has died at the age of two.We know that Peter F. knew about the relationship of his wife with a young Pole, and what's more, it supports them.The only significant opponent of the "adventures" of Catherine became the ruling empress - Elizabeth.In 1758, she learned of her daughter faulty connection was very angry and ordered to immediately send a messenger back to Poland.Catherine has preserved the memory of the beloved, and after a forced separation.In 1764, she being already Empress helped Stanisław August to ascend the throne of the Commonwealth.
Grigory Orlov (1734-1783)
What role did Grigory Orlov in the fate of this woman?What does history tell us?Future favorite of Catherine the Great was born on October 17, 1734 in the family of a retired Major General - Grigory Ivanovich Orlov.Childhood Gregory and his four brothers took place in an atmosphere of love, harmony and warmth.Head of the family, who was the unquestioned authority, never entered into any kind of quarrels, no scandals.Orlov received normal for people of his circle of home education, where special attention was given military training and physical preparation.The brothers differed from the majority of their peers very tall stature, heroic story and great strength.In 1749, Gregory entered the St. Petersburg land Cadet Corps, after which he was immediately enrolled in the elite Guards Semenov regiment.The young man was very handsome, loved women and had a passion for amorous adventures.He also distinguished for his bravery and courage that enabled him to quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant and go to the composition of the army in the Seven Years' War.
feats of arms
On the battlefield the next favorite of Catherine 2, Eagles, showed himself very brave soldier.Glory Gregory brought a bloody battle near the German village Zorndorf, where the Russian army met with the troops of the Prussian King Frederick II.In the desperate battle Guardsman he showed brilliant bravery, amazing composure and great endurance.Being wounded three times, he stayed in the ranks, rushed into the thick of the fight and tirelessly Raziel enemy.The news spread through the exploits of the hero soldier ranks, inspiring all the Russian soldiers, and the Prussian army was defeated and put to flight.For their battle in the courage and bravery Grigory Orlov was elevated to the rank of captain, and the war for him is now complete.The fact is that in the course of the battle was captured Tsorndorfskogo adjutant Friedrich Graf von Schwerin.Responsible for the delivery of mission of the prisoner to the court of Empress Elizabeth, and was entrusted to the young guardsman.
Introducing the future Empress
spring 1759 Gregory arrived in the northern capital, where he immediately was greeted by his brothers Alexei and Fyodor, who served in the rank of lieutenants and Semenovski Preobrazhensky Guards regiments respectively.Trinity fun, indulging in merry revelry, love adventure and card games.However, in 1760 Gregory transferred from the Guard artillery and appointed adjutant very influential nobles - Count Peter Shuvalov.Once in the center of court life, handsome Orlov met with thirty years of Catherine, attractive and experienced in love affairs, but at the same time unhappy woman suffering from loneliness and humiliation by her husband.Grigory future Empress charmed his youth, passion and adventurism.For a long time lover managed to hide their relationship from strangers.
conspiracy against the emperor
eagles pass for brave and decent people, have enjoyed enormous prestige in the Guards regiments, representing a major power and the support of royal power.Brothers in conversations with my friends began to create the image of the Grand Duchess Martyr, gradually attracted to his side an increasing number of the nobility and the military.The arrogant behavior of the heir to the throne of Peter, also contributed to its popularity.The first possibility is a coup plotters, who included current (Orlov) and future (G. Potemkin) Followers Catherine 2, presented December 25, 1761, the day of the death of the Empress Elizabeth.However, the Grand Duchess herself was in complete confusion, terrible panic, and the moment was lost.However, the cause of embarrassment Catherine soon became known.She was five months pregnant, and all the courtiers were aware of what Gregory accounted baby father.The boy was born in April 1762, was named Alexei, he received the title of Count and became the founder of a noble family Bobrinskys.
palace coup
first "steps" Emperor Peter III (the conclusion of peace with Prussia and the disbanding of the Guard, which was the mainstay of Russian troops) have caused great dissatisfaction in society.Orlov brothers, combining perturbed military, decided to spend the night with 27 for June 28 coup that aimed to overthrow the Emperor.Alexei Orlov brought Catherine from Peterhof to the capital, where they met Gregory and his associates.Guards regiments swore allegiance to the future autocrat, and from 9 am in the Kazan Cathedral began her coronation rite.Peter III, are in Oranienbaum, was well aware of the hopelessness of their situation and dutifully signed the abdication.The Empress knew all about the enormous role of the brothers in his enthronement, and more than once afterwards that owes much to Orlov.
Grigory Orlov - a favorite of Catherine the Great
After the coronation of Catherine, showering titles, titles and awards of all his aides, moved to the Winter Palace.Eagles, despite the Empress donated estates, preferred to live next to his beloved.For it came really great time.Erected in the count's dignity, received the rank of Major General, Grigory began to possess tremendous power, he has always been well received by the Empress, and she discussed with him all the affairs of state.Catherine II was passionately fond of his favorite and even seriously going to marry Orlov married.Autocrat dissuade from such a step, with great difficulty, but still managed to Count Nikita Panin.Historians have known his words: "Mother, we all obey the command of the Empress, but who will listen to the Countess Orlov?" Gregory, according to eyewitnesses, also he loved Catherine and gives her expensive presents, the most famous of which is the huge diamond.
life at court
Grigory always supported the initiatives of the Empress, and the extent of its powers tried to help her in government.He had no lust for power, which is experienced by many favorite of Catherine the Great and contemporaries spoke of him as a generous, trusting and good-natured man.Graf Orlov was interested in science and philosophy, poetry and art.He befriended and patronage of the great Lomonosov, and after his death, was able to buy all the works of the scientist and save them for posterity.He was one of the initiators of the campaign against the Turks in order to gain access to the Black Sea.Although the Empress and would not let her lover to war, he quickly found application.Grigory Orlov, a favorite of Catherine the Great, was sent to Moscow to fight the epidemic of plague.He was able to show where his organizational skills and a month to clean the city from a terrible plague.Catherine met a hero's lover, ordered to erect in his honor by the Arc de Triomphe and the cast medal with a portrait of the graph.
Sunset bright star
April 18, 1772 Gregory was sent to Romania for talks with the Turks.During this trip Orlov learned that Catherine II, a new favorite.It turned out to Alex S. Vasilchikov (1746-1813) - a cornet of the Life Guards Regiment, which belonged to the famous noble family.Gregory interrupted August 28 conference and rushed to St. Petersburg, wishing to meet with the Empress.Catherine at this time has already received a report from Count Panin with the news that the Eagles failed negotiations, and finally decided to break up with him.Empress refused his former lover in the audience, and sent him to the annual "holiday", giving at the same time a rich annual maintenance, as well as thousands of serfs.In 1777, Earl married his cousin, who soon became ill with tuberculosis and died.Grigory could not stand her death, damaged mind and died April 24, 1783.
Life does not stand still
Vasilchikov Alex did not have such outstanding data held by the previous favorite of Catherine the Great.Although he was 17 years younger than the Empress, but differed lack of education and quickly bored with the Empress.Because of its advantages can be identified only unselfishness and the fact that he did not use his position.He was replaced in 1774 came Grigory Potemkin, who became one of the most famous men of his time, from the connection with which Catherine gave birth to a daughter - Elizabeth Grigorievna.The scion of a noble family of modest means, Potemkin became a great statesman, a friend and co-ruler actual empress.In the "post" favorite Grigory Vasilevich Zavadovsky succeeded Peter, who also became a prominent dignitary.During the reign of Alexander I, grandson of Catherine, he was given the post of Minister of Education.
few words in conclusion
favorite of Catherine 2, the former mainly aides Serene Prince Potemkin, began to replace one another.Some of them, such as the future hero of the Patriotic War, Alexei Petrovich Yermolov, gained fame and the people's love.Most, writes in his book, "a favorite of Catherine the Great" Sorotokina NM, engaged in blatant greed, corruption, emptied the state treasury.And the phenomenon of favoritism has laid down a dark stain on the entire history of the Russian state.
most well-known favorite of Catherine the Great
Photos of some of them you can see in this article.Although it is not all pets Empress.Favorites Catherine 2, is best known Alexei Yermolov (the future hero of the war with Napoleon), Grigory Potemkin (great statesman of the era) and Platon Zubov, the last favorite of the Empress.
