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Frederick ll was born
Frederick II is born in Berlin to his parents, Frederick William I of Prussia and Princess Sophia-Dorothea. -
Caught attempting to escape Prussia
Frederick and his best friend, Hans Herman von Katte, attempt to escape to England,in part because of Frederick's miserable home life. Frederick is forced to watch Hans' execution. -
Begins to study political administration
He is forced to remain in Kustrïn and study political administration in preparation for his future leadership. -
Frederick marries Elizabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern
Frederick's father arranges for him to marry Elizabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern, a purely political alliance. The marriage is ultimately unsuccessful. -
Frederick becomes the leader of Prussia
Frederick's father dies and he ascends the throne as King in Prussia, taking over his father's powerful army and funds. He is immediately swept up into the political machinations overtaking Europe. -
First Silesian War begins
Frederick invades the Austrian territory of Silesia without provocation, thus beginning the First Silesian War, which is caught up in the larger War of Austrian Succession. His goal is to expand and unify a Prussian empire. -
Frederick conquers Silesia
Frederick makes peace with Silesia and becomes the ruler of nearly the entire region. Between 1744 and 1745 Austria attempts to retake Silesia from Prussia, but in the Treaty of Dresden, Frederick forces Austrian ruler Maria Theresa to adhere to previous boundaries. -
Frederick begins the Seven Years' War
Hoping to preempt a conspiracy between Prussia's neighboring countries, Frederick invades Saxony, allied with Austria, and begins the Seven Years' War, along with his ally, Great Britain. Despite several victories, the war soon turns into a stalemate for Prussia. -
Frederick participates in the First Partition of Poland.
Frederick signs a treaty along with Russia and Austria that partitions Poland and removes 1/3 of its land area. The three countries divide up the winnings; Prussia gains a number of economically valuable provinces. -
Frederick dies
Frederick dies in Potsdam, leaving a legacy of ruling as an "enlightened despot."