After Peter was imprisoned at the Ropsha Palace, Catherine was able to take the throne very smoothly. Catherine was very controversial because she had no blood claim to the throne, and it was more controversial, Peter had died. Eight days after Peter gave up the throne, he mysteriously died. A manifesto published after his death stated that he died of a hemorrhoidal attack, but many historians believe that he was killed in a drunken brawl with Alexei Orlov. This death led many to think that she killed Peter only for power.

Long Term Impact

Catherine the Great was a very influential leader in Russia. She continued the process of westernization started by Peter III, greatly expanded Russia, advocated for economic growth, modernized the military and Russia's towns, reformed education, developed culture, and did many other things to help Russia. Her main focus was to make a more efficient government. She restored what the people wanted. Her reign was very important and set Russia up to be a powerful country.

An equestrian portrait of Catherine