Cold-Blooded Killer
Controversy surrounds Catherine the Great’s role in various deaths during her reign, including the suspicious demise of her husband, Peter III. While historians debate whether Catherine ordered his assassination, she was unequivocally responsible for the death of Ivan VI. Locked up since the age of six months, Ivan had a legitimate claim to the throne, making him a perceived threat to both Peter III’s mother, Empress Elizabeth, and Catherine herself. Taking matters into her own hands, Catherine had Ivan killed during a failed coup just two years after ascending to power.
Catherine’s decisive actions against perceived threats reflected the ruthlessness inherent in her leadership style. The complex interplay of power dynamics and personal motivations shaped her decisions, leaving a controversial legacy that continues to spark debates among historians.
