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Birth of Frederick II
Frederick was born on the 24th of January in 1712 in Berlin, Prussia. His parents were Frederick William I, the king of Prussia, and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover. -
Music, Languages, Arts
From a very young age, Frederick loved many types of art and exxpression, but his father did not support this passion and made him focus on military. He carries his value of philosophy and art throughout his ruling. -
Frederick attempts to Flee
In an attempt to get away from the strict control of his father, Frederick and Lieutenant Hans Hermann von Katte, another officer in the military with him, tried to run away to another country. They were caught and he was forced to watch the execution of his friend and was put down in ranks. His father was a large influence on his future decisions. -
Forced into Military
Due to his father's strong control over his son, Frederick the Great was forced to join the military as soon as he was of age. Frederick II saw the importance of militia, but learned to not force the way his father did. -
Wrote Suicide Letter
Frederick wrote a letter to his grandfather telling him that he wanted to escape his father's wrath by committing suicide. He did not end up committing suicide and ended up leading a strong life. -
Frederick II Marries
Frederick the Great married Elizabeth Christine because she was part of a royal German family and his father approved of the relationship. He never loved her or paid attention to her as a husband. Example of his father's negative impact and a decision that he had with him for his life. -
Started Talking with Philosphers
During the years of 1734-1740, Frederick became more independent from his father in Rheinsberg. He spent his time studying literature and talking to a philosopher names Voltaire and composing music. -
Frederick takes the Power
Took over the throne of Prussia after his father's death, Frederick I. -
Frederick I Dies
Frederick I, his father, died leaving the throne to Frederick the Great. Now he could be free in his decision-making and changes the direction in which he takes Prussia. -
Austrian Emperor Passes Away
Charles VI the emperor of Austria died leaving the throne to his daughter Maria Theresa. She was a main competitior of Frederick II for territory. -
Gets his Title
After his first war against the Austrians, he is thought to be a very strong, clever military leader and given the name "Frederick The Great". -
Confidence over Maria Theresa
When Maria Theresa took over, he saw her and assumed that as a woman she is weaker and was confident his army would be stronger. His confidence carried over to how he fought future battles. -
Disagrees with "The Prince"
Frederick II wrote a formal argument of Machiavelli, who released "The Prince" which became a very well known philosophical writing. He continued his strong beliefs and philosophies while he was leading and was known as an enlightened despot, just like Machiavelli. -
Values Keep Evolving
After the Seven Year War, Frederick values the philosophies still and the idea of Enlightenment, but as he keeps growing more negativity is mixed in. There can be a comparison to him becoming more like his father as he grows. -
Frederick was a Symbol
Many of the soldiers who fought for Frederick looked back after the many battle and saw him as a symbol of glory and hope. Many looked up to him as the strong leader he was. -
Frederick II's Death
Frederick the Great died in 1786 after a successful and strong ruling. His death marks the time that he left the throne. -
Loved even After his Death
Napoleon and Hitler both visited and protected Frederick II's tomb because he was such a respected ruler of Germany and they wanted him to be protected. This showed how effectively he lead and how well he was thought of.
