Opposition and rebellion; plots against her and Catherine’s reaction; the…

The idea

Catherine the Great faced significant opposition, stemming from her usurpation of the throne and the worsening conditions of the serfs. Early plots against her, such as the Mirovich conspiracy to free Ivan VI in 1764, were met with swift reactions, resulting in Ivan's death and the execution of conspirators. The most severe threat was the Pugachev Revolt (1773–1775), led by Emelyan Pugachev, who claimed to be Peter III. This massive uprising of Cossacks and peasants exposed the fragility of local administration. Following its brutal suppression, Catherine's reaction shifted from enlightened reform to strengthening autocratic control, culminating in the 1775 Statute of Provincial Administration to tighten noble authority over the provinces.

What earns the marks

• Identify the causes of early plots against Catherine, particularly her lack of legitimate claim to the throne and the existence of rivals like Ivan VI.
• Explain Catherine's reaction to early conspiracies, noting her reliance on the military and swift executions to deter further challenges.
• Analyse the origins of the Pugachev Revolt, including Cossack grievances, serf discontent, and Pugachev's impersonation of Peter III.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Pugachev Revolt, specifically the abandonment of enlightened reforms in favour of the 1775 provincial reforms that entrenched noble power.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming the Pugachev Revolt was solely a peasant uprising.

  Put it right: Acknowledge that it was a diverse coalition including Yaik Cossacks, Old Believers, and ethnic minorities like the Bashkirs alongside peasants.

• Stating Catherine reacted to the Pugachev Revolt with liberal reforms.

  Put it right: Explain that her reaction was reactionary, leading to the 1775 Statute of Provincial Administration which strengthened central and noble control.

• Confusing the pretenders to the throne.

  Put it right: Ensure Emelyan Pugachev is correctly identified as claiming to be Peter III, not Ivan VI (who was the focus of the Mirovich plot).

Exam tips

• When discussing opposition, distinguish between elite political plots in St Petersburg and mass popular rebellions in the provinces.
• Use the Pugachev Revolt as a turning point in Catherine's reign to evaluate the limits of her 'Enlightened Absolutism'.
• Link Catherine's reaction to the Pugachev Revolt directly to her subsequent reliance on the nobility for local governance.