Frederick the Great
The Philosopher King and Architect of Prussian Power.
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An Overview
Monarch of Prussia
Frederick II (German: Friedrich II.; 24 January 1712 – 17 August 1786) reigned as the King of Prussia from 1740 until his death in 1786. He was the final Hohenzollern monarch to hold the title King in Prussia, later proclaiming himself King of Prussia following the annexation of Royal Prussia from the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1772.[1]
Renowned Leader
His reign was marked by significant military achievements, particularly in the Silesian Wars, a substantial reorganisation of the Prussian Army, and the First Partition of Poland. Frederick was also a notable patron of the arts and a proponent of Enlightenment ideals, significantly increasing Prussia's territories and establishing it as a major European military power.[1] He earned the moniker "Frederick the Great" (German: Friedrich der Große) and was affectionately known as "Old Fritz" (German: der Alte Fritz).[1]
Enlightened Absolutist
Frederick embraced the principles of enlightened absolutism, viewing the ruler as the "first servant of the state." He modernised the Prussian bureaucracy and civil service, reformed the judicial system to be more accessible, and encouraged immigration from diverse backgrounds. While Protestantism was favoured, he promoted religious freedom, tolerating Jews and Catholics, though his policies were not entirely free from prejudice.[1]
Formative Years
Royal Upbringing
Born on 24 January 1712, Frederick was the son of Crown Prince Frederick William of Prussia and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover. His early education was influenced by French Huguenot tutors, fostering a lifelong appreciation for French culture and the arts. This contrasted sharply with his father's militaristic and authoritarian approach to raising him, leading to significant conflict.
Intellectual Pursuits
Despite his father's disapproval of his artistic and philosophical interests, Frederick secretly cultivated a passion for literature, classical studies, and music. His tutors, particularly Jacques Duhan de Jandun and Maturin Veyssière La Croze, instilled in him the ideals of the Enlightenment, shaping his intellectual development and his preference for French language and culture over German.[1]
Familial Tensions
The strained relationship between his parents, particularly his father's harsh discipline and military expectations, profoundly impacted Frederick. His father's attempts to enforce a martial education clashed with Frederick's artistic sensibilities, leading to frequent humiliation and punishment. This dynamic significantly influenced Frederick's views on governance and personal relationships.
Crown Prince's Trials
Personal Attachments
In his youth, Frederick developed close relationships, notably with his page Peter Karl Christoph von Keith and later with Hans Hermann von Katte. These relationships, potentially homoerotic in nature, drew the ire of his father, leading to severe consequences.[1]
The Katte Affair
Frederick's plot to flee Prussia with Katte in 1730 resulted in their arrest and imprisonment. Accused of treason, Frederick was forced to witness Katte's execution. This traumatic event deeply affected Frederick, though he was eventually pardoned and continued his administrative training.[1]
Arranged Marriage
Frederick's marriage to Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel in 1733 was politically motivated and lacked personal affection. He separated from her upon ascending the throne, though she remained devoted to him. The marriage produced no children, and Frederick designated his brother Augustus William as his heir.[1]
Ascending the Throne
State of Prussia
Upon his father's death in 1740, Frederick inherited a highly militarised state. Prussia, though twelfth in population, possessed the fourth-largest army in Europe, consuming 86% of the state budget. This formidable military machine, meticulously built by his father, provided Frederick with the means to pursue his ambitions.[1]
Territorial Holdings
Frederick's kingdom comprised scattered territories, including western regions like Cleves, Mark, and Ravensberg, eastern territories such as Brandenburg and Pomerania, and the Kingdom of Prussia itself, located outside the Holy Roman Empire. This fragmented geography presented strategic challenges that Frederick would address through military and diplomatic means.[1]
Financial Foundation
His father's frugal management had cultivated a strong financial base for Prussia. This economic stability, combined with the disciplined army, equipped Frederick to challenge established powers like Austria and pursue territorial expansion, most notably the rich province of Silesia.[1]
The Reign of Frederick the Great
Military Campaigns
Frederick's reign was defined by his military prowess and strategic acumen. He engaged in major conflicts that reshaped the European balance of power, most notably the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years' War. His innovative tactics and leadership earned him renown, though often at a high cost in human lives and resources.[1]
Administrative Reforms
Beyond warfare, Frederick implemented significant administrative and judicial reforms. He championed enlightened absolutism, modernised the bureaucracy, promoted religious tolerance, and fostered arts and sciences, laying the groundwork for Prussia's rise as a great power.[1]
Cultural Patronage
Frederick was a fervent supporter of arts and philosophy, corresponding with prominent Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire. He established academies, encouraged literature, and promoted intellectual discourse, contributing to Prussia's cultural development and solidifying his image as a philosopher king.[1]
Key Conflicts
Silesian Wars
Upon ascending the throne, Frederick immediately challenged Austria's claim to Silesia, initiating the First Silesian War (1740–1742) as part of the War of the Austrian Succession. He secured Prussia's control over Silesia through victories like the Battle of Mollwitz and the Battle of Chotusitz. The Second Silesian War (1744–1745) further solidified Prussia's hold on the territory, culminating in battles such as Hohenfriedberg and Soor.[1]
Seven Years' War
Frederick's preemptive invasion of Saxony in 1756 triggered the Third Silesian War, part of the wider Seven Years' War (1756–1763). Facing a formidable coalition of Austria, France, Russia, and Sweden, Frederick engaged in numerous critical battles, including Rossbach, Leuthen, Hochkirch, Zorndorf, and Torgau. Despite severe setbacks and near collapse, Prussia ultimately retained Silesia, a testament to Frederick's resilience and strategic brilliance.[1]
Polish Partition
In 1772, Frederick played a key role in the First Partition of Poland, acquiring West Prussia. This territorial expansion significantly connected Prussia's disparate lands and enhanced its status as a major European power, further solidifying his title as "King of Prussia."[1]
Transformative Reforms
Governance and Law
Frederick championed enlightened absolutism, advocating for the ruler's role as the state's primary servant. He reformed the bureaucracy, making it more efficient and meritocratic, and overhauled the judicial system, abolishing torture and promoting legal equality. His policies encouraged immigration, enriching Prussia's diverse population.[1]
Religious Tolerance
While Protestantism remained the state religion, Frederick pursued a policy of religious tolerance. He welcomed Catholics and Jews into Prussia, allowing freedom of worship and participation in public life. This inclusive approach contrasted with the religious conflicts prevalent elsewhere in Europe.[1]
Arts and Enlightenment
Frederick was a significant patron of the arts and sciences. He corresponded with leading Enlightenment thinkers, supported philosophers, and fostered a vibrant cultural scene. His personal interest in music, playing the flute and composing, further cemented his image as a cultured monarch.[1]
Enduring Influence
Historical Perception
In the 19th century, German historians widely lauded Frederick as a romantic hero and model leader. However, his association with Nazi ideology in the 20th century complicated his legacy. Contemporary historians generally view him as an exceptional military leader and capable monarch whose reforms laid the foundation for Prussia's rise to prominence among German states.[1]
Impact on Europe
Frederick's military successes and statecraft transformed Prussia from a secondary German state into a major European power. His strategic innovations and administrative reforms influenced military doctrine and governance across the continent, leaving an indelible mark on European history.[1]
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