History vs. Russia’s most infamous empress

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Carolyn Harris |

TED-Ed

• October 2025

Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia for over three decades, used strategic dalliances, military might, and cutting-edge philosophy to modernize, expand, and transform the Russian Empire. But was she a dedicated ruler determined to move Russia into the future, or a ruthless monarch who oppressed anyone who questioned her? Carolyn Harris puts this controversial figure on trial. [Directed by Brett Underhill, PorkchopBob Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].