Rapid changes occurred, and the people of Russia were positively benefitted. The effects that Catherine had on her country are still seen today in Russia, and she forever changed Russia. Catherine the Great’s upbringing and background greatly affected her leadership style during her rule because of the education she received, the power of the family that she was born into, and the importance of education for her and her family. Catherine was different from any other ruler before her, and she paved the way for improvement and westernization within