Answer:
They both played very important roles in Russia's history.
Peter the Great
After winning the war to Sweden he took a territory and that became "the window to the west" known at that time as the capital, St. Petersburg.
He had many of his military and navy men go abroad to receive a better education and later go back to Russia in order to apply that knowledge and build together a better and more modern place to live.
Catherine the Great
She had a very European influence, and had no hesitation to use this setmind by eliminating different things in her country, such as torture.
She also promoted higher education and gave the power to some social groups to make petitions to the government.
During her government the industrial and commercial area of Russia had the possibility to grow a great deal.
The port of the Black Sea was very important fro Russia in terms of commerce.
