The Great: Catherine the Great's Rise to Power - History vs. Hulu
Fact and Fiction in the Popular Series
Hulu's series "The Great" offers a unique take on Catherine the Great's rise to power in 18th century Russia. Created by Tony McNamara, the show blends historical facts with fictional embellishments, describing itself as an "occasionally true story." While not entirely accurate, "The Great" captures the essence of Catherine's ambition and the tumultuous political climate of her time.
The real Catherine, born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, arrived in Russia in 1744 to marry the future Peter III. Unlike the show's portrayal, her ascent to the throne was a gradual process spanning nearly two decades. On June 28, 1762, Catherine orchestrated a successful coup against her husband, marking the beginning of her 34-year reign as Empress of Russia.
"The Great" takes creative liberties with historical events, focusing on entertainment rather than strict accuracy. The show's depiction of Catherine's relationship with Peter III and her early days in Russia differs significantly from historical accounts. However, it does touch on some true elements, such as Catherine's intelligence, her desire for reform, and the complex political maneuverings of the Russian court.
Early Life of Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great's early years shaped her into the influential ruler she would become. Her upbringing and education laid the foundation for her future reign over Russia.
Birth and Ancestry
Catherine was born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg on May 2, 1729, in Stettin, Prussia (now Szczecin, Poland). Her father was Prince Christian August of Anhalt-Zerbst, a minor German prince. Her mother, Princess Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp, had connections to European royalty.
Despite their noble status, the family was not wealthy. Sophie's childhood was modest compared to other royal children of her time. This background would later influence her approach to governance and her understanding of different social classes.
Education and Early Influences
Sophie received a typical education for a German princess of her era. She learned French, the language of European courts, and studied history, geography, and religion. Her tutors introduced her to Enlightenment philosophy, which greatly influenced her thinking.
The young princess was particularly drawn to the works of Voltaire and other French philosophers. These ideas shaped her views on governance and social reform. Sophie was known for her intelligence and quick wit, traits that would serve her well in her future role.
At age 14, she was chosen to marry Peter, heir to the Russian throne. This selection would change the course of her life and world history. Sophie learned Russian and converted to Orthodox Christianity, taking the name Catherine upon her conversion.
Marriage to Peter III
Catherine's marriage to Peter III was a pivotal moment in Russian history, setting the stage for her eventual rise to power. The union, arranged for political purposes, proved tumultuous from the start and shaped the future Empress's early years at the Russian court.
Arranged Union
Catherine, born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst, married Peter III in 1745. Empress Elizabeth orchestrated the match, selecting the 16-year-old German princess as a bride for her nephew and heir. The marriage aimed to secure the Romanov dynasty's future and strengthen Russia's ties with European powers.
Catherine embraced her new role, quickly learning Russian and converting to the Orthodox faith. She took the name Ekaterina Alexeyevna upon her conversion, demonstrating her commitment to her adopted country.
Peter, in contrast, showed little interest in his bride or his future responsibilities as ruler. His immaturity and preference for military games over statecraft created tension in the marriage from the outset.
Life with the Heir to the Russian Throne
Catherine's life as Peter's wife was marked by disappointment and isolation. Peter often neglected her, preferring the company of his Holstein servants and military toys. The couple's relationship deteriorated further as Peter's erratic behavior and pro-Prussian sympathies alienated many at court.
Despite these challenges, Catherine devoted herself to self-improvement. She read voraciously, studying history, philosophy, and politics. This intellectual pursuit prepared her for her future role as Empress.
The absence of an heir became a pressing concern. After years of a childless marriage, Catherine gave birth to the future Paul I in 1754. Rumors swirled about the child's paternity, but he was officially recognized as Peter's son and heir.
Catherine's position at court strengthened as she cultivated alliances with key noble families and the Orthodox Church. These connections would prove crucial in her eventual seizure of power from Peter III in 1762.
Intrigues at the Russian Court
Catherine's rise to power involved complex machinations and alliances within the Russian court. Her strategic relationships, confrontations with the church, and ability to navigate rumors were crucial to her ascent.
Relationships with Key Figures
Catherine cultivated influential connections at court. She formed a close bond with Empress Elizabeth, who favored Catherine over her own nephew, Peter III. This relationship provided Catherine with protection and insider knowledge of court politics.
Count Orlov became Catherine's lover and key ally. He helped orchestrate the coup that overthrew Peter III and placed Catherine on the throne. The Orlov brothers' support in the Imperial Guard proved invaluable.
Catherine also aligned herself with prominent intellectuals and reformers. She corresponded with French Enlightenment thinkers, enhancing her image as an enlightened ruler.
Confronting the Russian Orthodox Church
Catherine faced challenges from the conservative Russian Orthodox Church. She implemented policies to reduce the church's power and wealth.
She secularized church lands, bringing them under state control. This move weakened the church's economic influence while bolstering state coffers.
Catherine promoted religious tolerance, allowing Old Believers and other minority faiths to practice more freely. This stance put her at odds with Orthodox leaders but aligned with Enlightenment ideals.
Rumors and Challenges
Catherine contended with persistent rumors about her personal life and legitimacy. Gossip about her romantic affairs circulated widely at court and beyond.
Questions about her right to rule as a foreign-born empress dogged her reign. Catherine countered by emphasizing her devotion to Russia and its people.
She faced several uprisings, including the Pugachev Rebellion. Catherine dealt with these threats decisively, solidifying her grip on power.
Her German origins remained a point of criticism. Catherine responded by fully embracing Russian culture and positioning herself as a champion of Russian interests.
Catherine's Ascent to Power
Catherine's rise to the Russian throne was marked by a bold coup against her husband Peter III in 1762. This decisive action secured her position as Empress of Russia, ushering in a new era of leadership for the empire.
The Coup against Peter III
Catherine orchestrated a swift and effective coup against Emperor Peter III on July 9, 1762. She rallied the support of key military regiments in St. Petersburg, leveraging her popularity and political acumen. Peter III, unprepared for the sudden upheaval, was quickly deposed and later died under mysterious circumstances.
The coup was meticulously planned and executed with the backing of influential nobles and military leaders. Catherine's charisma and promise of a stronger Russia resonated with many who had grown disillusioned with Peter's rule.
Securing Her Rule
After seizing power, Catherine moved quickly to consolidate her position as Empress of Russia. She was formally crowned on September 22, 1762, marking the beginning of her reign as Catherine II.
To cement her authority, she:
Appointed loyal supporters to key government positions
Implemented popular reforms to gain public support
Eliminated potential rivals to the throne
Cultivated relationships with European powers
Catherine's shrewd political maneuvering and decisive actions in the early days of her reign laid the foundation for her long and impactful rule as Empress of Russia.
Reforms and the Enlightenment
Catherine II implemented wide-ranging reforms influenced by Enlightenment ideals during her reign. She modernized Russia's legal system, expanded education, and pursued an ambitious foreign policy of territorial expansion.
Domestic Policies
Catherine embraced Enlightenment principles in her governance. She drafted the Nakaz, a progressive legal code inspired by Montesquieu and Beccaria. Though never fully implemented, it outlined ideals of equality before the law and opposed torture.
Education was a priority. Catherine established Russia's first state-funded schools for girls and increased the number of schools overall. She founded the Smolny Institute, the country's first educational institution for women.
Catherine championed public health initiatives. She promoted smallpox inoculation, even undergoing the procedure herself to set an example. This effort significantly reduced smallpox deaths in Russia.
The empress corresponded regularly with Voltaire and other French philosophers. Their ideas influenced her policies, though she adapted Enlightenment concepts to fit Russia's autocratic system.
Foreign Affairs and Expansion
Catherine pursued an aggressive foreign policy that greatly expanded Russia's territory and influence. She annexed Crimea from the Ottoman Empire in 1783, gaining access to the Black Sea.
The First Partition of Poland in 1772 brought significant territories under Russian control. Catherine justified this expansion as bringing Enlightenment to new regions.
She established new cities and encouraged German settlers to populate southern territories. This colonization effort aimed to modernize and develop newly acquired lands.
Catherine's foreign policy also focused on projecting Russia as a major European power. She intervened in conflicts like the Seven Years' War and cultivated alliances with Prussia and Austria.
Cultural and Educational Contributions
Catherine the Great's reign marked a period of cultural flourishing and educational advancement in Russia. She invested heavily in the arts and learning, leaving a lasting impact on Russian society.
Patronage of the Arts
Catherine championed the arts, amassing an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. She founded the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, which houses many of these works today. The empress corresponded with Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau, embracing their ideas of reason and progress.
Catherine also supported Russian literature and theater. She wrote several plays herself and encouraged the development of a distinctly Russian artistic tradition. Under her patronage, the Russian Academy of Arts expanded, training new generations of artists and architects.
Founding of the Smolny Institute
In 1764, Catherine established the Smolny Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia's first educational institution for women. The school aimed to create "ideal wives and mothers" from noble families. It offered a comprehensive curriculum including languages, sciences, and arts.
The Smolny Institute became a model for women's education in Russia. Its graduates often went on to become teachers or governesses, spreading education to wider circles of society. This initiative reflected Catherine's belief in the importance of education for social progress and national development.
Catherine's Succession and Legacy
Catherine the Great's rule left an indelible mark on Russian history. Her choices regarding succession and her lasting impact continue to shape perceptions of her reign.
Paul I and the Line of Succession
Catherine's relationship with her son Paul was complex and fraught. She excluded him from power during her lifetime, naming her grandson Alexander as heir instead. This decision stemmed from her disapproval of Paul's character and political views.
Paul did eventually succeed Catherine upon her death in 1796. His reign was short and marked by attempts to undo many of his mother's policies. He implemented strict military discipline and rolled back some of Catherine's more liberal reforms.
Catherine's original succession plan ultimately failed. Paul ascended to the throne, though his rule lasted only 5 years before he was assassinated in 1801.
Historical Impact and Modern Perceptions
Catherine's 34-year reign transformed Russia into a major European power. She expanded Russian territory, reformed the legal system, and promoted education and the arts.
Her policies of territorial expansion and administrative reform laid foundations for Russia's 19th century development. Catherine's patronage of the arts and sciences fostered a flowering of Russian culture.
Modern views of Catherine remain mixed. She is praised for her intelligence and leadership, but criticized for the expansion of serfdom under her rule. Her personal life and rise to power continue to fascinate, inspiring numerous books, films, and television portrayals.
Catherine's legacy as an enlightened despot endures, shaping Russia's historical narrative and its relationship with the West to this day.
Comparisons with the Hulu Series 'The Great'
Hulu's series "The Great" offers a unique take on Catherine the Great's rise to power, blending historical events with comedic elements. The show's approach to portraying 18th-century Russia differs significantly from traditional historical dramas.
Factual Accuracy in the Show
"The Great" describes itself as an "occasionally" true story, taking creative liberties with historical facts. While the series captures key events in Catherine's life, it often exaggerates or alters details for dramatic effect.
The show accurately portrays Catherine as an outsider who became Russia's longest-reigning female ruler. However, it embellishes many aspects of her journey to power.
Catherine's relationship with her husband, Peter III, is depicted as more antagonistic than historical records suggest. The series also accelerates the timeline of her coup, condensing events for narrative purposes.
The Cast and Their Roles
Elle Fanning leads the cast as Catherine, bringing a youthful energy to the role. Nicholas Hoult portrays Peter III as a childish and volatile emperor, a characterization that diverges from historical accounts.
Belinda Bromilow plays Aunt Elizabeth, while Sacha Dhawan takes on the role of Orlo, Catherine's advisor. Phoebe Fox portrays Marial, Catherine's servant and confidante.
The cast's performances blend historical figures with fictional characters, creating a unique ensemble that drives the show's narrative. Their portrayals often emphasize comedic elements over strict historical accuracy.
Historical Drama vs. Comedy
"The Great" sets itself apart from traditional historical dramas by embracing a satirical, comedic approach. The series uses humor to explore themes of power, gender, and politics in 18th-century Russia.
This comedic lens allows the show to tackle serious historical events with a lighthearted tone. It presents Catherine's rise to power as a series of absurd and often vulgar encounters.
The blend of historical settings with modern dialogue and sensibilities creates a distinct viewing experience. While this approach may not appeal to purists, it offers a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure.
