The Great: Unveiling the Hidden Historical Gems You Didn't Know About!

Currently streaming on Hulu, The Great tells the somewhat true tale of Catherine the Great's rise to power. It acknowledges that it is occasionally based on true events, leaving audiences to struggle with distinguishing fact from fiction. The creators have skillfully weaved various aspects of Catherine's life into a single narrative, offering a unique perspective on this remarkable woman. Understanding the historical accuracy of the characters and events depicted in period shows can be challenging, often leading viewers to believe that much of what they see is true when it is not.

In the case of The Great, the show surprisingly incorporates a significant amount of historical details correctly. As the third season comes to a close, now is the perfect time to revisit this popular historical period drama. Is The Great historically accurate? Overall, not very much. However, many key elements of Catherine the Great's life and reign in the series are based on real historical accounts. While the show embraces fantastical artistic interpretations of Russian historical events and characters, it does ground itself in some genuine historical facts.

Peter III Struggled With Alcoholism

One interesting aspect of The Great that accurately reflects history is Peter's love for drinking. Viewers of the show will notice that Peter III is frequently seen with a glass in hand and frequently attends extravagant parties. This portrayal is supported by historical evidence (via Britannica), as the real Peter II struggled with alcoholism. The show effectively captures this aspect of his character. Additionally, historical texts describe Peter as being extremely neurotic, and the show also emphasizes this trait as he prefers to resort to violence rather than seeking the truth.

Catherine The Great Was Well-Read

During her reign, most women were not permitted to acquire a solid education. Nonetheless, Catherine the Great defied societal norms by nurturing her intellectual curiosity and indulging in a diverse range of literary works. She particularly sought out texts that would shape her future role as an empress, as reported by Britannica. This aspect of her character is vividly portrayed in the series, where she is often depicted with a book in hand. There is even a poignant moment when she imparts her knowledge to a young serf, teaching them the invaluable skill of reading. These scenes not only highlight Catherine's keen intellect but also showcase her endearing qualities. The literature she consumed played a crucial role in formulating her plans and ideals, which would ultimately shape the future of Russia.

Ivan VI Was Really Killed

Catherine The Great Wanted To End Serfdom

Another aspect where The Great accurately portrays history is the demise of Ivan the VI. However, his fate did not unfold exactly as depicted in the show. In The Great, audiences were introduced to Ivan VI through rumors that suggested he might still be alive and pose a threat to Peter III's reign. In reality, Ivan VI, who was in his twenties at the time, met his tragic end during the coup that brought Catherine the Great to power. The actual events (according to Britannica) involved an attempt by those opposing Catherine's rule to rescue Ivan VI from his imprisonment. Unfortunately, their effort resulted in his untimely demise.

Catherine the Great's reign spurred significant turmoil. When Peter III fell ill, Catherine the Great tasted her first dose of power. With her newfound position and authority, she expressed her desire to abolish serfdom. The council derisively dismissed her, citing the detrimental economic consequences it would have on society. This links back to the true ruler, as it was her aspiration to eradicate this practice (via Britannica). However, in the end, it proved to be an impractical objective. She relied on the support of the nobles who owned the serfs to maintain her power, ultimately bolstering the very system she initially sought to dismantle.

Catherine The Great Loved European Philosophy

It has been previously stated that Catherine the Great was an avid reader, particularly enamored with the philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. This aspect of her character is depicted with historical accuracy in The Great. The show portrays the significant influence that European philosophy had on her reign, even showcasing her meeting one of her favorites, the renowned French writer and philosopher, Voltaire. Throughout the series, Catherine also makes frequent references to several other notable thinkers of the time. Additionally, the show accurately reflects how these European philosophers played a pivotal role in shaping the reforms she sought to implement in Russia.

Peter III Wanted To Be A Great Military Leader

In The Great, Peter III, portrayed as someone desperate for military triumphs, is depicted as having committed abhorrent acts. This characterization mirrors his true nature, as documented by Biography.com. A key historical accuracy in the series is Peter's unwavering ambition to become a military hero. His aspiration to attain victory in battles and showcase his worth as an emperor is underscored. The show even illustrates Peter III confiscating medals from Velementov to fabricate a facade of success in this pursuit.

Catherine The Great Gained The Support Of The Military & Nobility

A major aspect of The Great, Catherine the Great's coup strategy involved garnering support from diverse groups. The military and nobility emerged as the two most influential factions that facilitated her rise to power, a historically accurate account as per Biography.com. The actual empress took measures to ensure the allegiance of the military, engaging in a romantic liaison with an officer who played a crucial role in her ascent. Furthermore, she already possessed control over the nobility, as evidenced by her prior marriage to Peter III, even though his rule lasted a mere six months.

Catherine The Great Had A Lover

Leo Voronsky is portrayed as Catherine's lover in The Great, but in reality, she had multiple lovers throughout her life (via Britannica). While Leo himself is a fictional character, historical records confirm that Catherine did have at least three different lovers, lending accuracy to this aspect of the story. Rather than representing a specific individual, Leo can be seen as a composite of these suitors. Notably, during the time of her coup, Catherine was involved with a military officer named Gregory Orlov, who holds a prominent place in her romantic history.

Catherine The Great's Heir Was Named Paul

Catherine the Great had a total of three children during her lifetime. However, one of the historical accuracies depicted in The Great is the naming of her legitimate heir. In the concluding episode of the first season, Catherine the Great, who is pregnant at the time, discusses with Peter III about naming their child Paul. This detail is historically accurate, as mentioned on Biography.com, since her eldest son was indeed named Paul. However, there is speculation regarding whether he was truly Peter III's heir. After Catherine the Great's reign, Paul eventually ascended the throne as emperor, but his rule lasted less than five years before he was assassinated by the nobility.

The Coup Had Peter Abdicating His Throne

The central focus of The Great revolves around the downfall of Peter III, who is compelled to relinquish his throne, paving the way for his wife Catherine to take charge. One notable historical accuracy portrayed in The Great is the successful coup in season 1, which eventually leads to Peter III's abdication. In line with the suggestion made by Catherine the Great in the final episode of The Great's first season, Peter III is coerced into stepping down from his position (via Britannica). Although the coup itself may not have unfolded exactly as it did in history, the ultimate outcome remained the same.

Pugachev’s Rebellion Really Happened

While the real Pugachev did not resemble Peter III, he indeed masqueraded as Peter III and incited the rebellion portrayed in the final stages of The Great season 3 (via Britannica). Unlike the series, Yemelyan Pugachev never served under Peter III and actually served as a soldier in the Seven Years War. Despite being imprisoned for deserting the army, he cunningly escaped and reappeared on the eastern side of the Volga River. Assuming the identity of Peter III, Pugachev proclaimed the abolition of serfdom and garnered a substantial following with the intention of overthrowing Catherine's rule. In response to his siege on Orenburg, Catherine dispatched her own army, resulting in Pugachev's subsequent defeat.

Catherine The Great Was A Target Of Gossip

The Great depicts the misogynistic narrative surrounding Catherine's leadership, which holds historical accuracy. In a similar vein, the real Catherine the Great faced incessant gossip and deceit, with rumors ranging from plausible to outlandish. A particularly notorious rumor claimed that she met her demise while engaging in bestiality with a horse (via Time). Given the rarity of women in positions of power during that era, her personal life and sexual escapades became fodder for rampant speculation. Recognizing the inevitable fabrication of rumors even after her death, Catherine the Great took matters into her own hands by penning her memoirs.

Peter III Really Died After Catherine Took Over

Peter III's demise in The Great season 3 came as a surprise to the audience, although it was not unexpected for those familiar with history. Although the circumstances surrounding his death in The Great deviated significantly from the actual events, Peter III did indeed pass away shortly after Catherine ascended to the throne and before Pugachev's Rebellion (via Britannica). In the series, Peter III meets his end by drowning while attempting to traverse a frozen lake. In reality, Peter III was taken into custody following his abdication. During his confinement with one of Catherine's co-conspirators, it was reported that Peter III succumbed to an apoplectic stroke. Nevertheless, the enigmatic nature of his demise also suggests the possibility of assassination.

Catherine The Great Was Passionate About Women’s Education

At the outset of The Great, Catherine presents various proposals for revamping education, including her ambitious plan to establish a school exclusively for women. However, as soon as Peter III becomes aware of her intentions, he swiftly quashes the idea. While the specific incident may be fictionalized, Catherine the Great's genuine zeal for empowering women through education is historically accurate. In 1764, she established the Smolny Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, which became the country's first educational institution for noble-born young women (via Time). A pivotal figure in Westernizing Russia, Catherine the Great prioritized educational reform as a cornerstone of her reign.

Catherine Launched Inoculation In Russia

In season 1 of The Great, the royal court of Catherine experiences a smallpox outbreak. During this time, Catherine learns about a treatment called inoculation. To demonstrate her belief in its effectiveness, she undergoes the process in front of the royal court. However, Peter III, her husband, subsequently prohibits the practice. In reality, Catherine had a deep interest in scientific advancements and admired the work of Dr. Thomas Dimsdale, a British physician researching a smallpox vaccine. She invites Dimsdale to travel to Russia and administer the vaccine to both herself and her son, Paul. This decision sparks a chain reaction, leading to over 2 million Russians being vaccinated by the year 1800, as reported in Robert K. Massie's Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman.