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The Formation of Prussia. 5.25. Sweden. Strong leadership and innovative military strategies Rises under Gustavus Adolphus Invades HRE during Thirty Years War Controlled Baltic territory Brilliant military commander Falls under Charles XII Defends against Denmark, Poland, Russia
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Sweden • Strong leadership and innovative military strategies • Rises under Gustavus Adolphus • Invades HRE during Thirty Years War • Controlled Baltic territory • Brilliant military commander • Falls under Charles XII • Defends against Denmark, Poland, Russia • Defeated by Russia, loses territory
The Growth of Brandenburg-Prussia • Centered on Berlin • Hohenzollern family rules • Receive scattered territory due to inheritance • Connecting the territories becomes the goal
Fredrick William the Great Elector • Establishes a militaristic culture • Uses military to achieve political/diplomatic ends • Expands Prussian territory
The Prussian Military State • Militarism becomes the characteristic of the country: duty, obedience, service, discipline • Small country, great army • Support of the army drove governmental policy • Taxes • Simple lifestyles of rulers (resources go to military, not fancy palaces) • Imported talented people from the west • The Junkers (landed aristocracy) became officers, usually in exchange for greater control over the peasants
Frederick William I • Example of Prussian characteristics • Spartan lifestyle • Increased social status of the military • Strict economic policy = large “war chest”
Frederick II (The Great) 1740-1786 • Expands holdings in the War of Austrian Succession by invading Silesia • Increases population, industry and army • One of the “Enlightened Despots”