Catherine II of Russia, called the Great reigned as Empress of Russia for some 34 years, from June 28 1762 until her death. She was one of Russia's longest-serving and most influential rulers. Wikipedia
Catherine the Great of Russia: this biography of Catherine the Great highlights important contributions she made to history, with links to more information. womenshistory.about.com/od/catherinegreat/p/catherinegrea...
None of the foreigners who have come to settle in Russia shall be required to pay the slightest taxes to Our treasury, nor be forced to render regular or extraordinary services, nor to billet troops. members.aol.com/jktsn/manifest.htm
The definitive Wikipedia entry for Catherine II of Russia. Wikipedia is the biggest multilingual free-content encyclopedia on the Internet. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catherine_II_of_Russia
1774 Rule of Kerch 16th July Kerch The treaty of Kutchuk cedes Kerch and several other Black Sea ports in the Crimea to Russia and declared the rest of the khanate of Crimea independent. www.datesofhistory.com/Catherine-II-the-Great-Russia.biog...
Catherine II (l762-1796), a German princess who became Empress of Russia after disposing of her ineffectual husband was one of the most successful European monarchs. www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/18catherine.html
The best Catherine the Great reference on the web. The story of Catherine the Great, from her childhood as a German princess to her rise to power as Empress of all the Russias. members.tripod.com/~Nevermore/CGREAT.HTM