Catherine I of Russia
Marta Helena Skowrońska was born on the 15th of April 1684 in the eastern parts of the former Polish, Lithuanian Commonwealth. Her father Samuel Skowroński worked as a Roman Catholic farmer near Minsk while her mother Elizabeth Moritz remains a subject of historical debate. Two stories about her parentage exist, yet Swedish sources suggest one is likely incorrect. A plague epidemic around 1689 claimed the lives of both parents and left five children orphaned. At age three Marta traveled to Marienburg in Swedish Livonia where Pastor Johann Ernst Glück raised her. She served as a scullery maid and washerwoman within the pastor's household without learning to read or write. The Great Northern War erupted in 1700 when she was seventeen years old. Russian forces captured Marienburg after eight days of marriage to Johan Cruse ended abruptly. Field Marshal Boris Sheremetev took Pastor Glück to Moscow and brought Marta back with his army.
Tsar Peter I met Marta in 1703 during a visit to Count Menshikov's home. By 1704 she had become well established in the tsar's household as his mistress. They gave birth to a son named Peter that same year before converting to Orthodoxy in 1703. Catherine Alexeyevna accompanied Tsar Peter I on military excursions alongside Darya Menshikova. A private marriage ceremony occurred between the 23rd of October and the 1st of December 1707 in Saint Petersburg. Twelve children were born from their union though only Anna and Elizabeth survived into adulthood. Their relationship flourished inside a modest three-room log cabin built near the new capital. Letters exist today demonstrating strong affection between Catherine and Peter despite frequent rages. She calmed him during fits and convulsions while caring for his physical needs. An official wedding took place at Saint Isaac's Cathedral on the 9th of February 1712. The Order of Saint Catherine was instituted by her husband on this occasion.
Catherine traveled with Tsar Peter I to the Pruth Campaign in 1711 against Ottoman forces. Turkish troops surrounded them with overwhelming numbers threatening total defeat. Voltaire later wrote about how she saved Peter and his future empire during this crisis. Before surrendering she suggested using jewels belonging to herself and other women as bribes. The Ottoman grand vizier Baltacı Mehmet Pasha received these gifts allowing a retreat. Mehmet allowed the retreat whether motivated by bribery or trade considerations alone. Tsar Peter credited Catherine for saving the army before marrying her officially again. He had previously divorced Eudoxia Lopukhina who bore him heir Alexis Petrovich. This campaign marked a turning point where her influence grew significantly within court circles.
Emperor Peter the Great died on the 28th of January 1725 without naming a successor. A council meeting decided Russia's next ruler amid political maneuvering by Alexander Menshikov. Guards regiments proclaimed Catherine the ruler because they were very popular with her. Supporting evidence came from Peter's secretary Makarov and the Bishop of Pskov. Both men belonged to the new faction seeking power after Peter's death. Real power actually lay with Menshikov, Peter Tolstoy, and members of the Supreme Privy Council. Catherine viewed deposed empress Eudoxia Lopukhina as a threat to her position. She secretly moved Eudoxia to Shlisselburg Fortress near Saint Petersburg under strict custody. Rumors claimed Catherine and Willem Mons had an affair though no evidence supports this claim. The story of her humble origins became a state secret among later generations of tsars.
The Russian Army numbered 130,000 men plus another 100,000 Cossacks at Peter's death. Military expenses consumed some 65% of government annual revenue despite peace conditions. Catherine determined to reduce military expenditure since the nation was not currently fighting wars. Most of her reign she remained controlled by advisers on most issues except spending cuts. Tax relief for the peasantry resulted from her successful push against military costs. This policy earned her reputation as a just and fair ruler among common people. The Supreme Privy Council concentrated power in one party creating executive innovation. Russia joined the Austro-Spanish league reluctantly to defend interests of her son-in-law Duke of Holstein. Catherine gave her name to Catherinehof near Saint Petersburg while building first bridges in capital. She became first royal owner of Tsarskoye Selo estate where palace still bears her name today.
Catherine I died on the 17th of May 1727 at age forty-three years old. She caught a chill then fever after attending ice ceremony blessing on river Neva in January 1727. Bleeding continued until she never recovered from illness diagnosed as lung abscess or tuberculosis. Her burial took place within St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress in Saint Petersburg. Before dying she recognized Peter II grandson of Peter I and Eudoxia as successor. Four siblings Krystyna Anna Karol and Fryderyk received titles of Count and Countess upon his death. They were brought to Russia where descendants became Counts Gendrikov Efimovsky Bagration and others. Catherine was first woman to rule Imperial Russia opening legal path for female rulers. Her daughter Elizabeth and granddaughter-in-law Catherine the Great continued modernizing policies for nearly century. City of Yekaterinburg named after her while Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn also honors her memory.
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Common questions
When was Catherine I of Russia born and where?
Marta Helena Skowrońska was born on the 15th of April 1684 in the eastern parts of the former Polish, Lithuanian Commonwealth. Her father Samuel Skowroński worked as a Roman Catholic farmer near Minsk while her mother Elizabeth Moritz remains a subject of historical debate.
How did Catherine I of Russia become Empress of Russia after Peter the Great died?
Emperor Peter the Great died on the 28th of January 1725 without naming a successor. A council meeting decided Russia's next ruler amid political maneuvering by Alexander Menshikov before Guards regiments proclaimed Catherine the ruler because they were very popular with her.
What role did Catherine I of Russia play during the Pruth Campaign against Ottoman forces?
Catherine traveled with Tsar Peter I to the Pruth Campaign in 1711 against Ottoman forces when Turkish troops surrounded them with overwhelming numbers threatening total defeat. She suggested using jewels belonging to herself and other women as bribes which allowed the Ottoman grand vizier Baltacı Mehmet Pasha to receive these gifts and permit a retreat.
When did Catherine I of Russia die and what caused her death?
Catherine I died on the 17th of May 1727 at age forty-three years old after catching a chill then fever following an ice ceremony blessing on river Neva in January 1727. Bleeding continued until she never recovered from illness diagnosed as lung abscess or tuberculosis.
Why is Catherine I of Russia significant for female rulers in Imperial Russia?
Catherine was first woman to rule Imperial Russia opening legal path for female rulers. Her daughter Elizabeth and granddaughter-in-law Catherine the Great continued modernizing policies for nearly century while City of Yekaterinburg named after her honors her legacy.