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Frederick the Great 1712-1786. Background. Frederick was born in Berlin Was a member of the Hohenzollern dynasty Was a rebellious teen and tried to escape his father’s tyrannical rule Watched his friend get beheaded. House of Hohenzollern. Background.
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Background • Frederick was born in Berlin • Was a member of the Hohenzollern dynasty • Was a rebellious teen and tried to escape his father’s tyrannical rule • Watched his friend get beheaded
Background • Frederick assumed the throne in 1740 and became king of Prussia • From 1740-1748, Frederick fought the war of Austrian Sucession to gain Silesia from Austria • Prussia won and gained Silesia
Seven Years War • By 1756, an alliance of Austria, Russia, Sweden and France was forming against Prussia • The Seven Years War began as Prussia invaded Saxony • Prussia was getting invaded frequently • Some consider this the 1st world war
Seven Years War • Prussia was close to losing but was saved when Empress Elizabeth of Russia died in 1762 • This allowed the anti-Prussian coalition to break up • Prussia did not gain territory, but kept Silesia
Frederick the Great • Leading his mento battle
Later Achievements • Frederick was considered an enlightened despot • This is an absolute monarch in which a ruler uses power to make positive social and political changes • Ex: He was a patron of Bach and Voltaire
Frederick the Enlightened Despot • Abolished torture • Built canals • Grew new crops (potato and turnip) • Religious toleration
Sans Souci • Frederick’s summer palace(just outside Berlin)