Absolutism in PrussiaThe dark blue is the area that will expand into Prussia. It was composed of most of the northern German states and the former country of Poland

Historical Background of Region

• Prior to the Thirty Years’ War (1618—1648), the central part of Europe was broken into the German states– Nearly 300 independent political units existed

• The Holy Roman Empire consisted of many German states, but by the end of the Thirty Years’ War the power of the HRE began to fade

Brandenburg—Prussia in 1648• Combination of two states: Brandenburg and Prussia• Brandenburg although central in location was still

insignificant in HRE dealings• Through marriage in the 1600s, the house of

Hohenzollern began to win separate parts of the empire

An Unlikely Power

• At the end of the Thirty Years’ War, there was no sign that Prussia would become a great power

• Reasons– Each province had separate gov’t and culture– Not economically productive and poor soil– Sparse population– No access to sea or viable trade route

Frederick William (r. 1640—1688)

• Known as the “Great Elector”• Established Prussia as a great

power– Will start of process of German

unification19th century• Beginning of the dynasty of

Hohenzollerns• Defender of Calvinismjoined

against Louis XIV’s war against Protestantism

Reforms of Frederick William

• Although Calvinist, he granted toleration to Catholics and Jews

• Encouraged industry and trade and utilized foreign craftsmen and Dutch farmers to transform Prussian industry and agriculture

• Established locally-run gov’t in provinces, but were all answerable to central gov’t in Berlin

Innovations

• Built the strongest army in Europe• Used heavy taxes, but nobility were not

exempt like in France– Junkers, landed nobility, agreed to taxes in return

for rights to tax their serfs

• Constructed the Frederick William Canal through Berlin to increase trade traffic– Overseas trade did not become significant until

the 19th century

Frederick I (r. 1688—1713)

• Son of the Great Elector• Built great palaces in Berlin

and Charlottenburg• Philosophical and religious

discussions were common in the palaces

An Element of Enlightenment

• Founded the University of Halle in 1692• Immigrant scholars and craftsmen were

welcomed to Prussia• Persuaded by the Enlightenment to open an

academy of science• HOWEVER: spent most of his reign at war

against France and Spain– Defined the military tradition of Prussia

Frederick William I (r. 1713—1740)• Son of Frederick I• Increased Prussian army from

45,000 to 80,000– Fourth largest in Europe

• Military expenditures made up 80% of Prussian state revenues– 60% in France and 50% in

Austria• Leave his successor a surplus of

revenue

Legacy of Frederick William I• Built strongest army, but never went to war• Maintained close relationship with England and

Holland through family relations• Most efficient and incorruptible bureaucracy in

Europe• Merit promotions rewarded efficiency and diligence• Culture based on absolute obedience and discipline• Highly valued education for all classes

Frederick the Great (Frederick II) (r. 1740-1786)

• Son of Frederick William I• Taught obedience as a child• Education as a boy was

from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.• Learned the fifty-four

movements of the Prussian army drill before he was five

Enlightened Despot

• Inherited a prosperous economy, a full treasury, and the best army in Europe

• Called himself “the first servant of the state”• Believed the ruler served the interests of the

state (people)• Pondered questions of religion, morality, and

power

Prussia at War• Frederick the Great ordered an attack on

Silesia, part of Poland, in October 1740• For 23 years, France, Austria, and Russia will

align against Prussia to stop their expansion• Although 15 times outnumbered, Prussia

emerged with enlarged territories and a doubled population

• “ruin of the Fatherland”although devastated, Prussia emerged as a great power

Legacy: Frederick• Spent years after war rebuilding through gov’t

funds: towns, villages, farms• New factories were built to support the economy• Reformed judicial system for more equality• Eliminated torture• Improved education• Promotion through merit – work and education

rather than birth • Gained parts of Poland from 1772 to 1795