Rise to Royalty

• Catherine began a relationship with Grand Duke Peter of Russia, and they were later engaged

• Catherine then converted to the Russian Orthodox faith, despite her Lutheran father

• On August 21, 1745 Catherine married Peter and became a grand duchess

• Catherine and Peter did not have a happy relationship, as Peter was very juvenile

• Catherine the great finally produced an heir, and her son Paul was born on September 20, 1754

- It is still debated today as to who Paul's real father is

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