Frederick the Great

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Friedrich der Große - Johann Georg Ziesenis - Google Cultural Institute (cropped 2)

Frederick the Great (1712–1786), also known as Frederick II, was King of Prussia from 1740 until his death. He is best known for his military victories, his reorganization of the Prussian army, his patronage of the arts and the Enlightenment in Prussia, and his final success against great odds in the Seven Years' War. Frederick was a proponent of enlightened absolutism, and his reign is noted for the cultural and intellectual vibrancy it brought to Prussia.

Early Life

Frederick was born in Berlin, the son of Frederick William I of Prussia and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover. From a young age, Frederick showed an interest in the arts and literature, which was discouraged by his father. His education was rigorous and military-focused, preparing him for his future role as a leader of Prussia.

Accession to the Throne

Upon the death of his father in 1740, Frederick ascended to the throne. He wasted no time in making his mark, immediately launching the War of the Austrian Succession by invading Silesia, a wealthy province claimed by Austria. This bold move set the tone for his reign, which would be dominated by military campaigns and territorial expansion.

Military Achievements

Frederick is perhaps most famous for his role in the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), where he led Prussia against a coalition that included Austria, France, and Russia. Despite being outnumbered, Frederick's strategic genius and the discipline of the Prussian army allowed him to secure Prussia's status as a great European power. His victories in battles such as Rossbach and Leuthen are celebrated for their tactical brilliance.

Domestic Policies

Domestically, Frederick promoted the advancement of science and culture. He invited scholars to Berlin, established the Berlin Academy of Sciences, and corresponded with many of the leading intellectuals of his time, including Voltaire. In governance, he pursued legal reform, including the abolition of torture and the simplification of the legal code.

Legacy

Frederick the Great's legacy is complex. He is admired for his military successes and his patronage of the arts and sciences, but his methods and the toll of his wars on Prussia and its people have also been criticized. Nonetheless, he remains a key figure in German history, embodying the ideals of the Enlightenment as well as the ambitions and contradictions of enlightened absolutism.