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Frederick the Great's place of death was Berlin.
Answer: False
Explanation: Frederick the Great died in his study at Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, not Berlin.
Frederick the Great's father, Frederick William I, was known as the "Enlightened King."
Answer: False
Explanation: Frederick William I, the father of Frederick the Great, was known as the "Soldier King," not the "Enlightened King."
Frederick the Great enjoyed a harmonious relationship with his father, Frederick William I, sharing his father's passion for military discipline and martial pursuits.
Answer: False
Explanation: The relationship between Frederick the Great and his father, Frederick William I, was profoundly strained due to conflicting interests and the king's authoritarian nature.
Frederick the Great's youthful intellectual and artistic pursuits were in direct opposition to his father's emphasis on military discipline and statecraft.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick's youthful inclinations leaned towards music, philosophy, and the arts, with a particular affinity for French culture, diverging significantly from his father's emphasis on military discipline and statecraft.
The tutelage of figures like Jacques Duhan de Jandun fostered Frederick the Great's deep engagement with Enlightenment philosophy and French culture, rather than a primary focus on German language and culture.
Answer: True
Explanation: Key figures in Frederick the Great's tutelage, such as Jacques Duhan de Jandun, were instrumental in cultivating his engagement with Enlightenment ideals and French culture, rather than a primary focus on German language and culture.
The "Katte affair" involved Frederick's attempt to flee Prussia, resulting in the execution of his friend Hans Hermann von Katte and a profound psychological impact on Frederick.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Katte affair concerned Frederick's clandestine attempt to abscond from Prussia with his confidant, Hans Hermann von Katte. The plot's discovery led to Katte's execution, a spectacle Frederick was compelled to witness, leaving a profound psychological scar.
Frederick the Great was born on January 24, 1712, and died on August 17, 1786. His final moments occurred in his study at Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam.
Answer: His study at Sanssouci in Potsdam.
Explanation: Frederick the Great was born on January 24, 1712, and died on August 17, 1786. His final moments occurred in his study at Sanssouci Palace, Potsdam.
Identify Frederick the Great's regnal name and his principal royal title.
Answer: Frederick II, King of Prussia
Explanation: Frederick the Great reigned as Frederick II, holding the title of King of Prussia from 1740 until his death in 1786.
Characterize the relationship between Frederick the Great and his father, Frederick William I.
Answer: Their relationship was strained due to conflicting interests in education and culture.
Explanation: The relationship between Frederick the Great and his father, Frederick William I, was profoundly strained due to conflicting interests in education and culture, leading to severe paternal discipline.
Identify Frederick the Great's early intellectual and artistic interests that conflicted with his father's expectations.
Answer: Music, philosophy, and French culture.
Explanation: Frederick's youthful inclinations leaned towards music, philosophy, and the arts, with a particular affinity for French culture, diverging significantly from his father's emphasis on military discipline.
Identify the key tutors who significantly shaped Frederick the Great's intellectual development.
Answer: French Huguenots like Madame de Montbail and Jacques Duhan de Jandun.
Explanation: Key figures in Frederick the Great's tutelage, such as the French Huguenots Madame de Montbail and Jacques Duhan de Jandun, were instrumental in cultivating his engagement with Enlightenment ideals and French culture.
What was the ultimate consequence for Hans Hermann von Katte during the "Katte affair"?
Answer: Execution for treason.
Explanation: The Katte affair concerned Frederick's clandestine attempt to abscond from Prussia with his confidant, Hans Hermann von Katte. The plot's discovery led to Katte's execution for treason.
Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great, ruled Prussia for over four decades, from 1740 until his death in 1786.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great reigned as Frederick II, King of Prussia, from 1740 until his death in 1786, a period exceeding four decades.
Frederick the Great rejected the concept of enlightened absolutism, believing the monarch should rule solely for personal gain.
Answer: False
Explanation: Frederick the Great was a proponent of enlightened absolutism, famously stating that the monarch serves as the 'first servant of the state,' emphasizing duty and reform.
Frederick the Great implemented reforms that modernized the Prussian bureaucracy and judicial system, though the assertion that he increased the use of torture is inaccurate.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great implemented significant reforms modernizing the Prussian bureaucracy and judicial system, and he notably reduced, rather than increased, the use of torture.
Frederick the Great pursued a policy of strict religious exclusion, allowing only Lutheranism within Prussia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Frederick the Great's religious policy was characterized by a degree of tolerance, permitting freedom of worship for various faiths, rather than strict exclusion of all but Lutheranism.
Frederick the Great implemented a policy called "Peuplierungspolitik" focused on encouraging immigration to increase Prussia's population.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great championed 'Peuplierungspolitik' (peopling policy), which aimed to increase Prussia's population and economic strength through immigration and settlement.
Frederick the Great reformed the Prussian currency, introducing the 'Friedrich d'or' for trade but later debasing coinage during the Seven Years' War, causing economic disruption.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great undertook currency reforms, including the introduction of the 'Friedrich d'or,' but his subsequent debasement of coinage during the Seven Years' War precipitated economic instability.
Frederick the Great actively promoted the cultivation and consumption of potatoes in Prussia, recognizing their agricultural and nutritional value.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great was a proponent of agricultural advancement, actively encouraging the introduction of novel crops such as the potato into Prussian cultivation.
Frederick the Great's policies towards the Jewish population were pragmatic, allowing for tolerance and recognizing their economic contributions, rather than being generally restrictive.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's policies concerning the Jewish population were characterized by pragmatism, encompassing tolerance and an acknowledgment of their economic significance.
Frederick the Great's land reclamation projects, such as the drainage of the Oderbruch, led to habitat loss and the destruction of biodiversity, rather than improving it.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's land reclamation initiatives, exemplified by the drainage of the Oderbruch, resulted in considerable habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Frederick the Great's approach to governance emphasized rational principles and the welfare of the state, aligning with the philosophy of enlightened absolutism.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great is widely regarded as a paradigm of enlightened absolutism, seeking to govern according to rational principles and for the benefit of the state and its populace.
Which fundamental principle of governance did Frederick the Great famously advocate?
Answer: The ruler as the "first servant of the state."
Explanation: Frederick the Great espoused the principles of enlightened absolutism, articulating this philosophy with the declaration that the monarch serves as the 'first servant of the state.'
Identify a significant reform enacted by Frederick the Great within the Prussian judicial system.
Answer: Reduced the use of torture and limited capital punishment.
Explanation: Frederick the Great significantly curtailed the application of judicial torture and imposed limitations on capital punishment, thereby demonstrating a commitment to Enlightenment principles and a more humane legal framework.
Describe the characteristic features of Frederick the Great's policy regarding religious tolerance in Prussia.
Answer: Favoring Protestantism but allowing freedom and tolerance for Catholics and Jews.
Explanation: Frederick the Great's religious policies exhibited a complex interplay of tolerance and pragmatic favoritism; while Protestantism held a privileged position, he generally permitted religious freedom for Jews and Catholics.
What was the primary objective of Frederick the Great's agricultural policy known as "Peuplierungspolitik"?
Answer: Increase the kingdom's food supply by promoting land use and settlement.
Explanation: Frederick the Great championed 'Peuplierungspolitik' (peopling policy), which aimed to increase Prussia's population and food supply through agricultural development, land use, and settlement.
Describe Frederick the Great's reforms concerning the Prussian currency.
Answer: He introduced the 'Friedrich d'or' for trade but later debased coinage.
Explanation: Frederick the Great undertook currency reforms, including the introduction of the 'Friedrich d'or,' but his subsequent debasement of coinage during the Seven Years' War precipitated economic instability.
Explain the origin of the nickname "Der Kartoffelkönig" (the Potato King) associated with Frederick the Great.
Answer: His active promotion and introduction of the potato in Prussia.
Explanation: Frederick the Great acquired the appellation 'Der Kartoffelkönig' (the Potato King) due to his active promotion and introduction of the potato into Prussian cultivation.
What was the primary objective of Frederick the Great's immigration policies?
Answer: Strengthen Prussia's population and economy by encouraging settlement.
Explanation: Frederick the Great actively encouraged immigration by extending incentives, aiming to strengthen Prussia's population and economy.
Describe Frederick the Great's position on the application of torture within the judicial system.
Answer: He significantly reduced its use and limited capital punishment.
Explanation: Frederick the Great significantly curtailed the application of judicial torture and imposed limitations on capital punishment, demonstrating a commitment to Enlightenment principles.
What was the environmental consequence of Frederick the Great's land reclamation projects, such as the drainage of the Oderbruch?
Answer: Led to habitat loss and the destruction of biodiversity.
Explanation: Frederick the Great's land reclamation initiatives, such as the drainage of the Oderbruch, resulted in considerable habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Describe Frederick the Great's measures to alleviate hardship for his populace during periods of poor harvests.
Answer: By controlling grain prices through government storehouses.
Explanation: Frederick the Great evinced a commitment to his subjects' welfare, notably through measures such as regulating grain prices via state granaries to mitigate the impact of poor harvests.
Frederick the Great's military campaigns, including the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years' War, resulted in significant territorial gains and established Prussia as a major European power.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's military triumphs in conflicts such as the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years' War led to substantial territorial expansion for Prussia, firmly establishing it as a preeminent European military power.
The Battle of Mollwitz, while initially perceived by Frederick the Great as a potential defeat, ultimately resulted in a Prussian victory and served as a crucial learning experience for his military command.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Mollwitz (1741) represented Frederick the Great's inaugural major engagement as commander. Despite a temporary abdication of command due to perceived defeat, the Prussian infantry achieved victory, and Frederick subsequently characterized Mollwitz as his formative 'school' for military strategy.
The Battle of Leuthen in 1757 was a pivotal and decisive victory for Frederick the Great, significantly impacting the course of the Seven Years' War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Leuthen (1757) stands as a testament to Frederick the Great's strategic genius, resulting in a decisive victory against a numerically superior Austrian army, significantly impacting the Seven Years' War.
Frederick the Great's military strategies, notably his innovative application of the oblique order of battle and interior lines, established him as an influential military theorist studied by later commanders like Napoleon Bonaparte.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's military strategies, particularly the oblique order of battle, made him an influential military theorist whose work was studied by subsequent commanders, including Napoleon Bonaparte.
Frederick the Great advocated for swift and decisive military campaigns, believing that protracted conflicts risked depleting Prussia's resources, army discipline, and population.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great subscribed to the tenet that military conflicts should be brief and decisive, recognizing that protracted engagements risked depleting Prussia's resources and manpower.
At which major conflict did Frederick the Great secure a decisive victory at the Battle of Leuthen?
Answer: The Seven Years' War
Explanation: The Battle of Leuthen (1757) was a decisive victory for Frederick the Great during the Seven Years' War, significantly impacting its course.
Identify the military strategy particularly associated with Frederick the Great's tactical acumen.
Answer: The oblique order of battle.
Explanation: Frederick the Great's military strategies, notably his innovative application of the oblique order of battle, established him as an influential military theorist.
What was the impact of Frederick the Great's reforms on the Prussian military establishment?
Answer: The army became known for its discipline, efficiency, and success.
Explanation: Under Frederick the Great's command and reforms, the Prussian army acquired a formidable reputation for its discipline, operational efficiency, and consistent success.
On what foundations was Frederick the Great's military reputation primarily built?
Answer: Tactical brilliance, operational success, and personal courage.
Explanation: Frederick the Great cultivated a formidable reputation as a military commander, attributable to his tactical ingenuity, operational adeptness, and personal valor.
Explain Frederick the Great's rationale for considering foresight essential in military operations.
Answer: To avoid depleting Prussia's resources and manpower through prolonged conflict.
Explanation: Frederick the Great regarded foresight as paramount, emphasizing strategic planning to avoid depleting Prussia's resources and manpower through prolonged conflict.
Contrary to championing the German language, Frederick the Great expressed a distinct preference for French, viewing German as inharmonious and underdeveloped for literary and administrative purposes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great harbored a pronounced aversion to the German language, deeming it inharmonious and cumbersome, and favored French for both discourse and composition.
Frederick the Great actively fostered the arts and sciences, notably by supporting musicians and re-establishing the Prussian Academy of Sciences.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great was a significant patron of the arts and sciences, providing support to musicians and revitalizing the Prussian Academy of Sciences.
While Frederick the Great was a composer and performer, his primary contributions were in instrumental music, particularly for the flute, rather than opera.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great was proficient on the transverse flute and composed numerous instrumental works, rather than being primarily known for contributions to opera.
The architectural style most prominently associated with Frederick the Great, exemplified in his palaces like Sanssouci, is Frederician Rococo, not Gothic Revival.
Answer: True
Explanation: The architectural style intrinsically linked with Frederick the Great is Frederician Rococo, a distinct aesthetic developed in partnership with Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff.
Frederick the Great's writings, such as the "Anti-Machiavel," presented him as an idealistic ruler focused on service to the state.
Answer: True
Explanation: In works like the 'Anti-Machiavel,' Frederick the Great articulated an idealistic vision of rulership, portraying the sovereign as the 'first servant of the state.'
Frederick the Great significantly contributed to Berlin's development by commissioning numerous famous buildings, many of which reflect the Frederician Rococo style.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's reign marked a period of substantial urban development in Berlin, characterized by the commissioning of seminal structures reflecting the Frederician Rococo architectural idiom.
Frederick the Great's advocacy for freedom of the press and literary expression fostered a climate of intellectual discourse that contributed to Berlin's emergence as a pivotal center of the German Enlightenment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's support for freedom of the press and literary expression fostered intellectual discourse, contributing to Berlin's prominence as a center of the German Enlightenment.
Characterize Frederick the Great's attitude toward the German language.
Answer: Preference for French, viewing German as inharmonious and underdeveloped.
Explanation: Frederick the Great harbored a pronounced aversion to the German language, deeming it inharmonious and cumbersome, and favored French for both discourse and composition.
Identify the area that was NOT a significant focus of Frederick the Great's patronage.
Answer: Funding archaeological expeditions.
Explanation: Frederick the Great was a significant patron of music, sciences, and arts, but funding archaeological expeditions was not a primary focus of his patronage.
Specify the musical instrument at which Frederick the Great demonstrated personal skill.
Answer: Transverse flute
Explanation: Frederick the Great was proficient on the transverse flute and composed numerous musical works for it.
Identify the architectural style prominently associated with Frederick the Great, as exemplified by Sanssouci Palace.
Answer: Frederician Rococo
Explanation: The architectural style intrinsically linked with Frederick the Great is Frederician Rococo, a distinct aesthetic developed in partnership with Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff.
What was the principal function or purpose of Frederick the Great's writings, such as the "Anti-Machiavel"?
Answer: An idealistic rebuttal to Machiavelli's "The Prince."
Explanation: Frederick the Great penned the 'Anti-Machiavel' as an idealistic counterpoint to Niccolò Machiavelli's 'The Prince,' articulating an idealistic vision of rulership.
To what significant development did Frederick the Great's support for freedom of the press contribute in Berlin?
Answer: An important center of the German Enlightenment.
Explanation: Frederick the Great's support for freedom of the press fostered intellectual discourse, contributing to Berlin's prominence as a center of the German Enlightenment.
What was Frederick the Great's perspective on the role of philosophy in the practice of governance?
Answer: Philosophical ideas should guide a ruler's actions and governance.
Explanation: Frederick the Great considered philosophy indispensable to effective governance, asserting that enlightened principles ought to direct a ruler's conduct.
Characterize the complex and influential relationship between Frederick the Great and Voltaire.
Answer: Complex and influential, involving correspondence and Voltaire's time at court, though eventually souring.
Explanation: The relationship between Frederick the Great and Voltaire was intricate and consequential, marked by extensive correspondence and Voltaire's sojourn at Frederick's court, despite eventual estrangement.
Upon his accession in 1740, Frederick inherited consolidated territories primarily in Brandenburg and Pomerania, not Silesia or Saxony.
Answer: True
Explanation: Upon ascending the throne in 1740, Frederick inherited scattered territories including Brandenburg and Pomerania, not Silesia or Saxony, which were acquired later.
The "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg" refers not to a diplomatic alliance with Russia, but to Prussia's unexpected survival during the Seven Years' War, largely due to the death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Miracle of the House of Brandenburg' denotes Prussia's improbable survival during the Seven Years' War, particularly following the severe setback at Kunersdorf (1759). A critical catalyst for this turn of fortune was the death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia in 1762, which precipitated the withdrawal of Russian forces.
Frederick the Great played a significant role in the First Partition of Poland in 1772, acquiring the territory of Royal Prussia, which connected East Prussia with Pomerania and Brandenburg.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great was a principal architect of the First Partition of Poland in 1772, securing Royal Prussia. This territorial acquisition served to unify East Prussia with Pomerania and Brandenburg, thereby substantially augmenting Prussia's strategic coherence.
Beyond Brandenburg, what was a principal territory inherited by Frederick upon his accession in 1740?
Answer: Hither Pomerania
Explanation: Upon ascending the throne in 1740, Frederick inherited territories including Brandenburg and Hither Pomerania, among others.
Define the historical event known as the "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg."
Answer: The sudden death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia, leading to the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Explanation: The 'Miracle of the House of Brandenburg' denotes Prussia's improbable survival during the Seven Years' War, largely attributed to the death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia in 1762, which precipitated the withdrawal of Russian forces.
What strategic objective was achieved by Frederick the Great through the acquisition of territory in the First Partition of Poland in 1772?
Answer: Connected East Prussia with Pomerania and Brandenburg.
Explanation: The acquisition of Royal Prussia in the First Partition of Poland served to unify East Prussia with Pomerania and Brandenburg, thereby substantially augmenting Prussia's strategic coherence.
What were the typical aims of Frederick the Great's policies implemented in conquered territories such as Polish Prussia?
Answer: Encouraging German settlement and integration into the Prussian state.
Explanation: In regions such as Polish Prussia, Frederick the Great implemented policies designed to foster Germanization, including encouraging German settlement and integration into the Prussian state.
The affectionate nickname bestowed upon Frederick the Great by the Prussian people was 'Old Fritz,' not 'The Young Lion'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Prussian populace affectionately bestowed upon Frederick the Great the moniker 'Old Fritz' (der Alte Fritz).
Frederick the Great harbored a profound affection for animals, particularly his Italian greyhounds, and believed indifference towards them indicated a lack of devotion.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great had a deep affection for animals, especially his greyhounds, and posited that indifference towards loyal animals suggested a potential lack of devotion towards human companions.
Frederick the Great's enduring legacy is primarily associated with his military achievements and statecraft, not with contributions to German Romantic literature.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's historical legacy is predominantly defined by his military prowess and effective state administration, rather than literary contributions.
Frederick the Great's wish to be buried at Sanssouci alongside his greyhounds was not immediately honored by his successor; his interment there occurred much later.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick the Great's final testament stipulated his desire for interment at Sanssouci, which was initially disregarded but eventually fulfilled in 1991.
What affectionate nickname was commonly used by the Prussian people for Frederick the Great?
Answer: Old Fritz
Explanation: The Prussian populace affectionately bestowed upon Frederick the Great the moniker 'Old Fritz' (der Alte Fritz).
What was Frederick the Great's specific personal preference regarding his final resting place?
Answer: On the vineyard terrace at Sanssouci, next to his dogs.
Explanation: Frederick the Great's final testament stipulated his desire for interment adjacent to his beloved greyhounds on the vineyard terrace at Sanssouci.