Rise of Prussia Reading Questions

Describe the three disconnected masses of Brandenburg-Prussia in the early modern era.

-Brandenburg: small German state that was ravaged during the Thiry Years’ war; becomes militaristic to avoid being ravaged again

-Prussia: inherited by the Hohenzollerns in 1861 after it was a polish “fief“

-Various western holdings on the Rhine (French-German border)

-Farther Pomerania: inherited by Brandenburg after the Thirty Years’ War in 1864

How did Frederick III of Brandenburg become the first King of Prussia?

Helped Holy Roman Emperor in the war of Spanish Succession, was granted the ability to crown himself King IN Prussia.

How did Frederick William I transform Prussian politics and culture?

He made Prussia a very militaristic society, Prussia had the 4th best army in Europe, and he also increased the size of the army, training camps/schools, and supplies.

Describe the structure of Prussian militaristic society.

Nobles let King have an absolute monarchy and impose militarism as long as they could keep serfdom and let it be harsh.