Frederick The Great
A beloved Monarch of Prussia
One of the most famous portraits of Frederick the Great.
Frederick the Great of Prussia was an interesting man and enriched his state. During his reign, he won many great war victories, including his help in The Seven Years War. Although, he had vast military experience, his heart was not in it. Frederick enjoyed philosophy, poetry, arts, and often composed pieces for orchestra and flute. Furthermore, his mother brought him many of the treasures of the Enlightenment. He spent his early years with tutors, learning poetry, French culture, and Greek classics. Also, even though his mother loved him, his father was very abusive. He would beat Frederick for his interests, and pushed him into military tactics and learning how to become a ruler. Also, Frederick's father arranged a marriage to Elizabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern, in 1733. Frederick quickly separated from her and, for the rest of his life, showed no interest in women. Through these struggles Prussia raised and became one of the preeminent powers in Europe with the help of Frederick the Great.