I think I'm beginning to understand Russia a little

[Serb]

Not when she was around.

Oh come on, just play a game of Crusader Kings-2

The Protestant guys steered clear of the Catholics. Being just Sophie from Anhalt-Zerbst though, she quickly figured out that it was better to convert to Russian Orthodoxy and be Empress of Russia than just a minor German Protestant noblewoman from somewhere in Prussia.

Sure thing.

Recently ? Probably not. But I doubt much was made of her German origins during the Stalinist era.

Nothing really. Sure I haven't lived back then, but when I was in school in 80's I don't recall anything negative about Catherine because of her German origin, not in school books or movies. Who cares where she was born, if she became a Great Russian Empress who ruled the country for the best national interest of Russia?

[BlackCat]

if he became a Great Russian Empress

would that be legal back then ?

[Serb]

oops
my keyboard sucks

[molly bloom]

. Sure I haven't lived back then, but when I was in school in 80's I don't recall anything negative about Catherine because of her German origin, not in school books or movies. Who cares where she was born, if she became a Great Russian Empress who ruled the country for the best national interest of Russia?

Ah yes, as we all know, Russians love every nationality equally. Especially the Poles.

[Elok]

I don't know about Stalin's day, but honestly my bio of Catherine did say her subjects loved her, if only because she made a clear effort to learn the language and customs in her early years. Also, it was a choice between her and her husband, who openly favored the Prussians and despised everything about Russia. Pretty easy choice.