Frederick II of Prussia and Paul I in the assessment of German historians

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the image of the Prussian King Frederick II, who received the title «The Great» in history, and the Russian Emperor Paul I as a continuer of the traditions of Frederick II of Prussia in Russia in the context of German historiography. The presented materials are based on comparative – historical, historical – systemic and culturological methods. The analysis involves original and translated works of German historians from the 18th to the 21st century. The representation of the image of Frederick II of Prussia is associated with historical social processes in Germany of different eras. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that the assessment of the personality of Frederick II the Great, as well as his activities, was constantly undergoing transformations. Until now, the King of Prussia is an ambiguous and controversial figure in German history. The representation of the Russian emperor in German historical literature concerns, rather, the psychological aspects of his personality, the metamorphoses that occurred with the emperor Tsarevich and with the ruler. The results of the analysis make a certain contribution to the general historiography of Frederick II of Prussia and Paul I and can be used both in the educational and research process.