Frederick II of Prussia

1. Frederick II of Prussia By Miguel Farrell & Bradley Mitchel

2. Date Of Birth/Death and Reign • Born January 24, 1712 in Berlin, Prussia • Died August 17, 1786 at the age of 74 in Potsdam, Prussia • Reigned from May 31, 1740 to August 17, 1786

3. Empire he ruled • Prussia • Foremost military power in Europe at this time • Modern day Germany • Laid the foundation for the unification of the Germany states http://home.comcast.net/~troygoss/images/prussiamap.jpg

4. Historical Background • Educated in French and German simultaneously • Crowned prince interested in French literature, poetry, philosophy, and Italian music • Wanted to flee to England with Hans Hermann von Katte but was caught - Katte was beheaded but Frederick wasn’t since the king didn’t want him to die

5. Five Significant Accomplishments • War of the Austrian Succession- Frederick began this war, by attacking Austria for control of Silesia. This war involved France, Prussia, Spain, Bavaria and Saxony against Austria and Britain, and spread to America. Charles Albert of Bolivia, elected Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII, joined Frederick in battle against Austria. • Treaty of Dresden- In 1745 Frederick secured Silesia in thisTreaty. It ended the fight between Austria and Prussia. Frederick acknowledged Francis I as Holy Roman Emperor, which allowed him to keep most of Silesia. • The Seven Years War- At first, there were diplomatic controversies that soon grew into a war when Frederick II of Prussia defeated Saxony in 1756. Frederick’s successions began when he defeated the Austrians at the Battle of Prague and when they tried to invade Saxony and Silesia. • Treaty of Hubertusberg- A treaty that ended the Seven Years War between Prussia and Austria. Frederick laid victorious, with Prussia having complete control of Silesia, and making it the main power in Germany. • The Enlightenment- During this time Frederick the Great made several philosophical successes. He encouraged religious freedom by building a Roman Catholic Cathedral, and used honest, strong officials in government. He also, made trials with judges and ended of the torturing of prisoners. Lastly, Frederick protected the noble class rights because they were the “backbone” of his army.

6. Importance in History • Frederick IIof Prussia was very important in historical context. He thrived in military warfare and as economic ruler of Prussia. It all began the day he was born as his father, Frederick-Wilhelm, had lost two kids before, leaving Frederick ii to the throne. Growing up, he was highly educated learning agriculture, economy and administration. He also studied enlightenment and military strategy, which benefited him as a ruler. With his accomplished childhood, he progressed as a ruler succeeding in many military accomplishments such as the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War. He was able to make Prussia the main power in Germany with his treaty that enabled him to expand territory and control. In Prussia he progressed The Enlistment movement by expressing religious beliefs, organizing the government, and bettering the economy. There was a good reason why he was known as Frederick The Great.

7. Historians opinion of Frederick • Good since he was still able to gain power even though Voltaire was famous at this time • Was able to be king even with a little bit of money • Both an enlightened ruler and a ruthless despot • Through reform, war, and the First Partition of Poland in 1772 he was able to turn Prussia into a powerful European power • Saw himself as the people’s watchman http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/

8. Our opinion of Frederick • Frederick was able to make a good impression to his people and to us. Even though he did get in wars with other countries we was still a supporter of music, art, and learning. • Gifted musician, played the cross- flute and composed one hundred sonatas • Had many famous buildings constructed in Berlin • Transformed Prussia into an economically strong and politically reformed state • United disconnected lands into his empire http://www.bookdrum.com/images

9. Pictures

10. Bibliography • Rickard, J. (29 October 2000), Frederick II (the Great) (1712-1786), king of Prussia (1740-1786), http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_frederickgreat.html • Mckay, Hill, Buckler. A History of World Societies: Volume II Since 1500. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1992, http://lorribrown.suite101.com/frederick-the-great-a36270 • "Frederick II of Prussia." - New World Encyclopedia. Web. 15 May 2012. <http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Frederick_II_of_Prussia>.