Also known as Catherine the Great. Years of life: 1729-1796. Under her direct auspices the Russian Empire expanded, improved its administration, and continued to modernize along Western European lines. Catherine"s rule re-vitalized Russia, which grew stronger then ever and became recognized as one of the great powers of Europe. Her successes in complex foreign policy and her sometimes brutal reprisals in the wake of rebellion (most notably Pugachev"s Rebellion) complemented her hectic private life.