Frederick the Great ruled Prussia from 1740-1786. Unlike his rough father, Frederick William, Frederick the Great (officially known as Frederick II) detested the Spartan, military life so loved by his father. Instead, Frederick embraced the finer things in life, including learning, philosophy and the arts.
Wars with Austria, Russia and France
Frederick earned his noble nickname through the many accomplishments during his reign. Through clever military maneuvering, Frederick was able to double the population of Prussia to six million people, through lands taken during the War of the Austrian Succession. Now Prussia was not only the largest of the German states, it was a formidable power in Europe.
Prussia’s new political standing alarmed its neighbors and Maria Theresa of Austria joined with France and Russia to try and divide Prussia. This struggle, known as The Seven Years War, raged from 1756 until 1763. Prussia was saved from complete destruction by an odd twist of fate. Peter III, husband to the future Catherine the Great, called off the war upon his accession to the Russian Throne. He had long admired all things Prussian and especially admired Frederick the Great. While this act did nothing to endear the new czar to his army, who was on the brink of victory, it did save Prussia.
Frederick the Great & The Enlightenment
While Frederick exhibited his father’s military strength, the similarities ended there. Frederick made several notable changes to Prussia during his reign, many of which reflect the philosophical movement known as The Enlightenment. Despite being raised in a strict Calvinist household, Frederick encouraged religious freedom, even building a Roman Catholic cathedral in Berlin. He was passionate about freedom of expression and there were no limits on local newspapers or books published in Prussia.
Frederick made improvements to the government, whose officials were known for their honesty and strong work ethic. In the legal department Frederick established trials by impartial judges and abolished torture for prisoners, claiming that torturing before execution was “…a horrible and very useless cruelty.” However, he wholeheartedly believed in whipping soldiers, as a measure to prevent desertion.
Frederick worked very hard, and unlike many European monarchs, he lived quite modestly, claiming he was “…only the first servant of the state.” This quality endeared him to his people.
Nobles & Peasants
Even though Frederick the Great publicly condemned serfdom, he still kept it in place, even on his own private estates. Like his father before him, Frederick viewed the ruling noble class (Junkers) as his best ally against foreign invasion. Just as they had under Frederick William, the Junkers made up the backbone of the Prussian army. He protected their rights at the expense of the middle and peasant classes.
Sources:
Mckay, Hill, Buckler. A History of World Societies: Volume II Since 1500. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1992
Mitford, Nancy. Frederick the Great. New York: Harper & Row, 1970.
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