Description:

Catherine II of Russia Czarina


Catherine the Great DS Dated 1774, the Same Year as the Treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca and the Capture of the Pretender Pugachev

 

Document, probably a military appointment, signed by Empress Catherine II (1729-1796) as "Ekaterina" in the lower right corner. Printed in Russian Cyrillic lettering on parchment decorated by a Neo-Classical frieze border depicting soldiers, armaments, vegetal motifs, and rustic vignettes. Two handwritten clerical inscriptions appear recto and verso. Strong plate mark. The embossed paper seal has been professionally repaired. Expected wear including light folds and isolated soiling, else near fine. The single sheet measures 15.75" x 11".

 

This impressive imperial decree begins: "Divinely Chosen We, Catherine II Empress and Autocrat of all Russias, etc., etc., etc…" and ends with the authoritative command: "Let it be known that we signed this document with our own hand. Outskirts of St. Petersburg Summer 1774." The document appears to be a military appointment concerning one Aleksandr Syshina. Should yield fascinating discoveries when fully translated!

 

Catherine II required all the military forces under her command during the tumultuous summer of 1774. Southwest of the imperial court of St. Petersburg, Catherine's armies were wrapping up the latest Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774) in modern day Ukraine and Turkey. On July 21, 1774, the defeated Ottoman Empire signed the Treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca which expanded Russia's sphere of influence in the Black Sea region. The treaty granted Russia territorial gains in Crimea, two ports with significant southern access, and a sizable war reparations chest.

 

This foreign policy coup contrasted with disturbing developments in Catherine's domestic affairs. Ex-Cossack Yemelyan Pugachev (ca. 1742-1775), posing as Catherine's dead husband Peter III, roused disaffected peasants, religious dissidents, and marginalized groups throughout central Russia during the so-called Pugachev Rebellion (1773-1775). Although initially Pugachev was dismissed as just another innocuous Pretender, he soon recruited large and effective armies. Just 2 days after the Turks surrendered, Pugachev's forces burned most of Kazan, a city located about 1,600 km to the southeast of Russia. Pugachev was captured later that year and executed in January 1775.

 

Catherine II controlled her diverse subjects and vast territories through a large, complex, and fully funded military. As we have seen, the military enabled Catherine not only to expand her empire but ruthlessly control it. Catherine had a close relationship with the army during her 34-year-long reign, for they had helped her obtain the throne in 1762, and several of Catherine's serial lovers were officers.

 



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