- 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articulate prose and insightful observations make her memoirs not just a reflection of her life but also a valuable historical document that illuminates the shifting landscapes of power and gender in 18th-century Russia, showcasing the life of a woman who dared to defy societal norms and carve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 Anna
B) Empress Maria Feodorovna
C) Catherine the Great
D) Elizabeth of Russia
- 2. What major event did Princess Dashkova play a role in, helping Catherine seize power?
A) The Pugachev Rebellion
B) The Decembrist Revolt
C) The Time of Troubles
D) The coup of 1762
- 3. What prestigious institution did Princess Dashkova direct?
A) The Russian Academy of Sciences
B) The Hermitage Museum
C) Moscow State University
D) The Imperial Ballet
- 4. Her memoirs were originally written in which language?
A) English
B) Russian
C) German
D) French
- 5. Why did Princess Dashkova eventually fall out of favor with Catherine the Great?
A) She was accused of treasonous plots
B) She converted to another religion
C) Political disagreements and court intrigues
D) A personal romantic scandal
- 6. What was a primary focus of the Russian Academy under her leadership?
A) Compiling a dictionary of the Russian language
B) Mapping the Russian Empire
C) Studying Arctic exploration
D) Translating ancient Greek texts
- 7. How is Princess Dashkova's intellectual role in 18th-century Russia often described?
A) A critic of Western influence
B) A pioneer of Russian realism
C) A leading figure of the Russian Enlightenment
D) A mystic and religious thinker
- 8. A period of her life was spent traveling through which region?
A) The Ottoman Empire
B) Western Europe
C) The Caucasus
D) Siberia
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