Here are some factors that can be considered her "downfall" in a broader sense:
* The Pugachev Rebellion: This massive peasant uprising (1773-1775) posed a serious threat to Catherine's rule. While she eventually crushed the rebellion, it revealed deep-seated discontent among the peasantry and exposed the weaknesses of her empire's governance.
* Internal Conflicts: Catherine's reign was marked by power struggles, court intrigues, and political conspiracies. Her attempts to centralize power and expand her authority often met with resistance from powerful nobles and factions within the court.
* Foreign Policy: Catherine's ambitious foreign policy, which included wars with the Ottoman Empire and expansion into Poland, led to costly conflicts and strained relations with European powers. Her expansionist policies also contributed to growing tensions with neighboring countries and ultimately sowed the seeds of future conflicts.
* Economic Problems: Despite her reforms, Catherine's reign was characterized by economic problems, including inflation, corruption, and inefficient tax collection. These issues hampered the development of Russia and contributed to social unrest.
* Succession Crisis: Catherine's death triggered a succession crisis, as she had no male heir. The throne eventually went to her grandson, Alexander I, but the uncertainty surrounding the succession weakened the stability of the empire.
Overall, Catherine's "downfall" wasn't a sudden collapse but a slow erosion of her authority and the emergence of problems that would plague Russia for generations to come. These issues included:
* Social inequalities: The vast gap between the privileged nobility and the oppressed peasantry created a volatile social environment.
* Economic stagnation: The lack of sustained economic growth and development created a weak foundation for Russia's future.
* Political instability: The constant power struggles and court intrigues undermined the stability of the empire.
* Imperial ambitions: Catherine's expansionist policies and wars ultimately proved unsustainable and contributed to future conflicts.
While Catherine the Great is remembered as one of Russia's greatest rulers, her reign also laid the groundwork for the challenges and upheavals that Russia faced in the 19th and 20th centuries.