The Story Of Frederick The Great
Frederick of the House of Hohenzollern was born in January of 1712 to Frederick William I of Prussia and Princess Sophia-Dorothea—the sister of George II of Great Britain. Although the couple did have children their marriage was just for political reasons. During Frederick's
childhood, his mother brought him many of the treasures of the Enlightenment. He spent his early years with tutors, learning poetry, and French culture. However, his father opposed such ideas and pushed to have his son educated in the practical matters of running and defending the state that would one day be his. When he came of age, Frederick's father forced Frederick into the army and set him on a course of military science and governance.
Frederick William abused his son, often beating and humiliating him for foolish reasons. When Frederick was eighteen, he and his childhood friend, Hans Herman von Katte attempted an escape from Prussia. Both boys were caught, and Frederick was forced by his father to watch as Katte was brutally beheaded. His father pardoned Frederick, but made him a junior official in the government to help teach him about how to run a government.
Eventually, Frederick’s father arranged a marriage between Elizabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern and Frederick in 1733. Frederick quickly divorced her and for the rest of his life, showed no interest in women whatsoever. Frederick took the throne in 1740 when his father died; and though he didn’t pursue making his place in the geopolitical intrigue of 18th-century Europe, he did have a strong amy and ample funds for his troops. In 1756, the Seven Year’s war began after Frederick took over Silesia. Between Prussia, who was supported by England, and Austria, who joined up with France, the brutal war caused both sides to lose land, regain it, then lose it again.
Frederick’s reign caused a reform in the Prussian military and government, established religious tolerance, and set an example of devotion to the state that would be echoed for centuries.
childhood, his mother brought him many of the treasures of the Enlightenment. He spent his early years with tutors, learning poetry, and French culture. However, his father opposed such ideas and pushed to have his son educated in the practical matters of running and defending the state that would one day be his. When he came of age, Frederick's father forced Frederick into the army and set him on a course of military science and governance.
Frederick William abused his son, often beating and humiliating him for foolish reasons. When Frederick was eighteen, he and his childhood friend, Hans Herman von Katte attempted an escape from Prussia. Both boys were caught, and Frederick was forced by his father to watch as Katte was brutally beheaded. His father pardoned Frederick, but made him a junior official in the government to help teach him about how to run a government.
Eventually, Frederick’s father arranged a marriage between Elizabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern and Frederick in 1733. Frederick quickly divorced her and for the rest of his life, showed no interest in women whatsoever. Frederick took the throne in 1740 when his father died; and though he didn’t pursue making his place in the geopolitical intrigue of 18th-century Europe, he did have a strong amy and ample funds for his troops. In 1756, the Seven Year’s war began after Frederick took over Silesia. Between Prussia, who was supported by England, and Austria, who joined up with France, the brutal war caused both sides to lose land, regain it, then lose it again.
Frederick’s reign caused a reform in the Prussian military and government, established religious tolerance, and set an example of devotion to the state that would be echoed for centuries.