DID YOU KNOW?

• In 1746 Frederick the Great presented a musical theme he had written to composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who used it to develop a set of canons and fugues he titled "The Musical Offering." For years, Bach's son C.P.E. Bach was employed as one of Frederick's court musicians.

FREDERICK THE GREAT

- Born 1712 in Berlin

- Interested in music, languages, and philosophy

EARLY YEARS

EARLY YEARS

• Did not have a great relationship with dad• He sent Frederick to school for military

training• He decided to run away• Had to watch his best friend be decapitated

as punishment for running away

• King from 1740-1786

• Known as Frederick II

• Earned the name "Frederick the Great" after successes in war against Austria

• But... believed he was the "first servant of the state."

• Showed devotion to Prussia by making decisions that were best for his country

KING OF PRUSSIA

LEGACY• Known as a military genius

• During 7 Years War, was able to fend off much larger/stronger forces (Austria, France, Russia)

• Supported arts and learning

• Permitted people to speak and practice religion more freely

• Ordered unused land to be developed

• Introduced turnip and potato as major food crops

• Remembered for devotion to his country and people

LEGACY

RANDOM FACTS

• Frederick’s long reign helped spread Enlightenment rationalism.

• He developed a militaristic system of public education.

• Frederick’s greatest admirers tended to be those with large continental ambitions.

• Napoleon made a special visit to Frederick’s tomb in 1806 after defeating Prussia’s army

• Hitler hid the king’s body in a salt mine during the allied bombings of World War II.

Now lets use our Critical Thinking Skills …