Russian Studies 09/12/11

Spragins/Julius

Catherine the Great : Reading Guide

Catherine’s reign is controversial, as you can gather from de Madariaga’s purpose in writing this essay for a “popular” history journal. From this essay, in addition to laying out the major episodes in Catherine’s career, you should keep track of the evidence and arguments that de Madariaga evinces to defend her “friend”.

In class I (PJ) will argue that de Madariaga’s assessment is far too rosy. You, then, should decide who makes the better case.