Catherine the Great

Catherine the Great, officially Catherine II of Russia, is an instrumental figure in the history of the Volga Germans.  Born on 21 April 1729 in the German town of Stettin (then part of Pomeranian Prussia), Catherine's birth name was Sophie Friederike Auguste of Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg.  She came to the Russian throne through an arranged marriage to Tsar Peter III.  She and her supporters overthrew her husband, and she became the Tsarina on 9 July 1762. She ruled until her death on 17 November 1796.

Catherine the Great published manifestos in 1762 and 1763 inviting Europeans to immigrate and farm Russian lands while maintaining their language and culture. Although the first invitation received little response, the second improved the benefits offered and was more successful in attracting colonists.