Final answer:
Catherine the Great was a German-born empress who became an enlightened despot of Russia. The Chinese were excluded from America in 1882, and Maryland was named for Henrietta Maria, the queen consort of England.
Step-by-step explanation:
Catherine the Great was not Russian by birth; she was of German origin. Born as Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, she later changed her name to Catherine upon converting to Orthodoxy and marrying the future Emperor Peter III of Russia. As the Empress of Russia after her husband's overthrow, Catherine the Great is often associated with Russia because of her significant impact on the country. She expanded the empire and was considered an enlightened despot, ruling with absolute power while promoting arts, education, and Western Enlightenment ideals.
Concerning the question of immigrant laborers, it was Chinese nationals who were completely excluded from the United States in 1882 due to the Chinese Exclusion Act. This was the first significant law restricting immigration to the United States based on nationality.
Maryland was named in honor of Henrietta Maria (Option b), who was the wife of King Charles I of England. This choice reflects the historical ties of the colony to the English monarchy.