Final answer:
Catherine the Great expanded the Russian Empire, continued Westernization efforts, and introduced political and military reforms, underlining her dedication to improving upon Peter the Great's successes while still maintaining an autocratic government.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Catherine the Great Built on Peter the Great's Successes
One way Catherine the Great continued to build on Peter the Great's successes was by pushing for the expansion of the Russian Empire. She sought to acquire fertile lands and aimed to undermine the Ottoman Empire by dreaming of making Istanbul an extension of Moscow's reach. Moreover, Catherine continued the process of Westernization and reforms, such as reducing the levels of government censorship, implementing political reforms like trial by jury, and making military service terms less arduous. These measures were part of a broader effort to usher in an enlightened absolutism that would modernize Russia while maintaining strong autocratic rule.
Under Catherine's rule, Russia reached incredible size, spanning from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Despite the vastness, much of it remained undeveloped, reflecting the constant tension between rapid expansion and the slow economic development of Russia. Nevertheless, Catherine's reign marked a significant step toward modernization and established her as a memorable figure in history.