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Birth of the Prince
Prince Frederick II was born in Berlin to his abusive and wealthy father, King Frederick William (pictured). -
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The Life and Reign of Frederick the Great
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Ascends the Throne
Immediately following the death of his father, Frederick becomes the third king of Prussia. Frederick took his duty as king personally and believed that he alone needed to provide for his people. He ruled without the guidance of ministers.His goals as leader were to enlighten, modernize, and expand his empire. -
Austrian War of Succession
After taking the throne, Frederick launches an unprovoked attack against Austria with the army and wealth left behind by his father. This ignited the War of Austrian Succession and lasted for eight years. -
Frederick Becomes the Great
This date marks the end of the War of Austrian Succession. Frederick's army was able to conquer Austria and they gained land and power from the resulting treaties. Due to his military success in this war Frederick became known as a military genius, A.K.A. Frederick the Great. -
Beginning of Seven Years' War
Frederick has been using the years of relative peace to strengthen and build his army, yet he is not prepared for the long strenuous task ahead: the Seven Years' War. Prussia joins forces with Britain to take on Austria once again. -
Frederick Pushes On Against Impossible Odds
Russia, France, and Sweden team up against Britain and Prussia. Frederick forces his army to fight on despite dwindling resources and forces. He refuses to be defeated but as a result he sends Prussia into a state of turmoil and threatens to obliterate his empire all together. (The orange on the map is all against Prussia and Britain.) -
Russia Withdraws!
Frederick and Prussia were on the edge of destruction when Russia withdrew from the war due to failure to cooperate with its allies and the death of their leader. Prussia had come out on top but at a great cost. -
Treaty of Hubertusburg
This treaty between Russia, Austria, and Prussia officially ended the dark days of the Seven Years' War. Thanks to Frederick's military success, and some luck, Prussia became a significant power in Europe and gained economically valuable parts of Poland. -
League of Princes
One of Frederick's latest accomplishments was forming the League of Princes to unite German states. His motivation was the possibility of land exchange with the German states. As always Frederick sought to expand his empire. -
Death of the King
Frederick died in Potsdam, Germany.
