Frederick the Great Timeline- Michal Smith

By michalsmith

  • Death of Brothers

    In 1712, Frederick II's brothers had both died during birth, putting him first in line for his father's throne.
  • Period: to

    Lifespan of Frederick the Great

  • Secret Library

    Secret Library
    When Frederick II was still young, his tutor procured him a secret library containing thousands of volumes of Greek and Roman poetry.

  • Imprisonment

    Imprisonment
    Frederick is imprisoned in the fortress of Kustrine for his unsuccessful attempt of escaping from Prussia.

  • More Punishment

    More Punishment
    After Frederick II's imprisonment, to punish his son even more, Frederick William I had his son employed as a junior rank official in a a local administration and removed of his military rank.

  • Prince Frederick tries to escape Prussia.

    When Frederick Williams is still in rule, Frederick the Great (Frederick II), was still a prince. He could not bare the reign Frederick Williams (his abusive father), held over him. Prince Frederick was punished and beaten for his interest in poetry and philosophy. He and a friend tried to escape one day, but they were caught. To punish the prince, King Frederick made the prince witness the beheading of his friend.

  • Marriage

    Marriage
    Frederick II unwillingly marries elisabeth christine of brunswick-wolfenbüttel. The marriage was arranged by Frederick I, and Frederick II had no interest in her.

  • Death of Frederick I

    Death of Frederick I
    Frederick Williams (Frederick the Great's father) passes away.

  • Frederick William I Dies

    Frederick William I Dies
    If Frederick II were close to his father, his death would have brought more emotion to him. Frederick I's abusive treatment towards his son had brought a substantial disliking, and it gave Frederick II a sense of freedom and relief of his father's reign.

  • Frederick begins the first Silesian War.

    Frederick begins the first Silesian War.
    Frederick the Great leads Prussia to war against Austria over dispute regarding ownership of Silesian territory (Parts of Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Germany).
  • Period: to

    Silesian War

  • Frederick the Great leads Prussia to victory.

    Frederick the Great leads Prussia to victory.
    Frederick II won all three wars against Austria, and was in power of Silesian territory at this time.
  • Period: to

    Seven Years War