The Great: 10 Things In The Show That Are Historically Correct

A show on Hulu called The Great follows a somewhat true tale of Catherine the Great’s rise to power. It does say that it is an occasionally true story, and fans often have difficulty differentiating between what is fact and fiction. The creators have managed to include various aspects of her life into a single tale that puts a unique spin on this incredible woman.

Luckily, this list helps fans to understand what is the historical truth as it lays out the facts about various characters and events. It will unveil the cleverness of the writers as some facts might have been missed by viewers as they watched the series. Keep reading to learn what The Great took from the history books!

10 Peter III Was An Alcoholic

Fans of The Great are aware that Peter III is constantly seen with a glass in hand and often in attendance of some crazy parties. This was historically accurate as the real Peter II was an alcoholic, and this show helps depict this side of him very well.

He is also described in historical texts as being quite neurotic, which the show also portrays as he has an affinity to kill rather than seek out the truth.

9 Catherine The Great Was Well-Read

Catherine the Great was a well-read woman as she enjoyed various texts throughout her life, especially ones that would guide her as a future empress.

This was depicted within the series, as she was always seen with a book in hand and even helped teach a young serf in how to read. It also spoke of her intelligence as much of what she read helped her create plans and ideals that she would one day instill in Russia.

8 Ivan VI Was Really Killed

Fans first met Ivan VI when rumors circulated in the show that Peter III’s half-brother was still alive and could stake a claim to the throne. He was killed during the coup that put Catherine the Great into power, but not in the way that the show depicts.

Ivan VI was in his twenties when those against Catherine’s rule attempted to break him out of the prison he was being kept in. Unfortunately, this ended in his death.

7 Catherine The Great Wanted To End Serfdom

When Peter III fell ill, and Catherine the Great had her first taste of power. With this newfound position and authority, she mentioned her desire to end serfdom. The council laughed at her and explained the economic consequences it would have on their society.

This relates back to the real ruler as it was her desire to end this practice, but in the end, it wasn’t a practical goal. She needed the support of the nobles who owned them to stay in power, and she eventually even strengthened the system that she originally sought to destroy.

6 Catherine The Great Loved European Philosophy

It was already mentioned how Catherine the Great loved to read, but many of her choices focused on the philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. The Great had her even meeting one of her favorites — the French writer and philosopher Voltaire — and she often mentions several others throughout the series.

It is also historically accurate that these European philosophers helped to shape the reforms that she attempted to implement in Russia.

5 Peter III Wanted To Be A Great Military Leader

Peter III is depicted in The Great as someone who’s yearning for any sort of military win and accomplishment, which is exactly how he was during his life as well.

He wanted to be a military legend who won battles and had numerous victories that proved his worth as emperor. The show even has Peter III taking medals from Velementov to make himself look more successful than he actually is in this endeavor.

4 Catherine The Great Gained The Support Of The Military & Nobility

A major part of the coup that Catherine the Great planned throughout The Great involved her obtaining the support of various groups. The two most prominent who enabled her to take power were the military and nobility, which was the same as it was in history.

The real empress made sure to secure the military by having an affair with one of the officers who ensured her rise to power. She also had the nobility already under her control, as actual historical fact shows that she had already been married to Peter III for years before he became emperor, although, he was forced out in just six short months.

3 Catherine the Great Had A Lover

The Great has a man named Leo Voronsky as Catherine’s lover, but the truth is that she had several throughout her lifetime. Leo himself did not exist, but history does tell that she had at least three different lovers, making this part of the story historically accurate. It could be said that Leo is just a summary of these suitors rather than any specific man.

It was already mentioned how she was having an affair with a military officer during the time of her coup, and that man was named Gregory Orlov, who is the most prominent in her historical love life.

2 Catherine The Great’s Heir Was Named Paul

The final episode of The Great shows a pregnant Catherine the Great and she mentions to Peter III how she will name him Paul. This is a fact as her firstborn son was in fact named this, although many speculate whether or not it was actually Peter III’s heir.

He eventually became the emperor following Catherine the Great’s reign, and he didn’t make it five years before he was assassinated by the nobility.

1 The Coup Had Peter Abdicating His Throne

Peter III was forced from his position as he abdicated his throne, which is exactly what Catherine the Great suggested he do at the end of The Great’s final episode. Fans never actually see him doing this but based on history, it can be assumed that he took this route as a mutiny unfolded.

Another thing that’s not shown but could be considered a foregone conclusion is that Peter III was assassinated a few days later by some of Catherine the Great’s most loyal supporters.

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