- 1. The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova is a captivating autobiographical account penned by the remarkable Russia noblewoman, Princess Maria Nikolayevna Dashkova, who lived in the 18th century. As a close friend and confidante of Empress Catherine the Great, Dashkova provides an intimate glimpse into the complexities of the Russian court, the intricacies of political intrigue, and the social dynamics of her time. Her writings not only reflect her personal experiences and relationships with influential figures of the era but also reveal her ardent commitment to the enlightenment ideals of education, science, and culture. The memoirs are rich with details of her travels, her intellectual pursuits, and her steadfast advocacy for women's rights, as well as her passionate involvement in the establishment of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Dashkova's articulate prose and insightful observations make her memoirs not just a reflection of her life but also a valuable historical document that illuminates the shifting landscapes of power and gender in 18th-century Russia, showcasing the life of a woman who dared to defy societal norms and carve out her own legacy in a male-dominated world.
Princess Dashkova was a close friend and supporter of which Russian empress?
A) Empress Maria Feodorovna
B) Catherine the Great
C) Elizabeth of Russia
D) Empress Anna
- 2. What major event did Princess Dashkova play a role in, helping Catherine seize power?
A) The Decembrist Revolt
B) The Pugachev Rebellion
C) The Time of Troubles
D) The coup of 1762
- 3. What prestigious institution did Princess Dashkova direct?
A) Moscow State University
B) The Hermitage Museum
C) The Imperial Ballet
D) The Russian Academy of Sciences
- 4. Her memoirs were originally written in which language?
A) French
B) German
C) English
D) Russian
- 5. Why did Princess Dashkova eventually fall out of favor with Catherine the Great?
A) A personal romantic scandal
B) She was accused of treasonous plots
C) She converted to another religion
D) Political disagreements and court intrigues
- 6. What was a primary focus of the Russian Academy under her leadership?
A) Translating ancient Greek texts
B) Studying Arctic exploration
C) Mapping the Russian Empire
D) Compiling a dictionary of the Russian language
- 7. How is Princess Dashkova's intellectual role in 18th-century Russia often described?
A) A pioneer of Russian realism
B) A mystic and religious thinker
C) A leading figure of the Russian Enlightenment
D) A critic of Western influence
- 8. A period of her life was spent traveling through which region?
A) Siberia
B) Western Europe
C) The Caucasus
D) The Ottoman Empire
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