Ten Minute History - Frederick the Great and the Rise of Prussia (Short Documentary)

Overview of Brandenburg Prussia

The aftermath of the Thirty Years' War in 1648 left the Holy Roman Empire in devastation, but the electorate of Brandenburg Prussia, ruled by Frederick William, gained territory during this period. Brandenburg Prussia was governed by the Hohenzollern royal house, predominantly Protestant, and spoke German. It was divided into two main territories:

  1. Brandenburg - Capital: Berlin. As an electorate in the Holy Roman Empire, Frederick William, known as the Great Elector, held the significant power of voting for the next Holy Roman Emperor, providing both prestige and the ability to extract bribes from potential candidates.

  2. Ducal Prussia - Capital: Königsberg. Although outside the Holy Roman Empire, it was a vassal of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, resulting in complex overlordship issues due to conflicting demands from both Poland and the Holy Roman Empire.

Frederick William strategically secured Eastern Pomerania, which granted Brandenburg access to the Baltic Sea, enhancing trade opportunities. Despite aspirations to emulate maritime powers such as the Dutch Republic, Brandenburg Prussia's destiny was not to become a significant naval empire.

The Great Elector's Reforms

Frederick William aimed to bolster his state's position internationally by establishing a centrally funded standing army, a challenging endeavor that required concessions from the local nobility. By around 1655, he managed to form an army of approximately 25,000 men, striving for greater autonomy and less reliance on nobility. Two crucial events in the 1650s bolstered his position:

  • In 1654, the Tsardom of Russia invaded the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

  • The Swedish invasion led by King Charles X prompted Frederick to initially resist but ultimately ally with the Swedes in 1656 after suffering a defeat.

Eventually, the Polish King John II offered Frederick William freedom from vassalage, leading to Brandenburg Prussia aiding the Polish-Lithuanian forces against the Swedes, culminating in the end of the war by 1660 and establishing Prussia as a sovereign duchy, although Brandenburg remained under Holy Roman control.

Frederick's Ascendance

Frederick William's financial struggles were ongoing, though his trade initiatives showed promise. In 1682, he sponsored the Brandenburg African Company, establishing trading posts in Africa for slave trade, marking a controversial economic venture. He passed away in 1688, succeeded by Frederick I, who faced challenges from Sweden and Poland, leading to strategic alliances.

Frederick I’s ambitions were stymied by the need to secure his gains against potential losses from Sweden and Poland. He forged alliances with the Habsburgs, providing troops during the Nine Years' War against France, and ultimately crowned himself King in Prussia in 1701. This title distinguished him from the Holy Roman Emperor and afforded great prestige to the realm. His reign was characterized by the establishment of the Royal Academies of Arts and Sciences.

Frederick William I: The Soldier King

Frederick William I succeeded Frederick I in 1713, continuing to consolidate power and further centralize the state despite resistance from the nobility. He initiated the Schools Edict of 1717, expanding primary education while facing local pushback due to funding issues. To boost population growth post-Thirty Years' War, he encouraged Protestant migration, tapping into a more literate population with artisanal skills. His military reforms were notable: he prioritized army recruitment and elevated soldiers' status within society, leading to a substantial army of 80,000 men by 1740.

Frederick William’s reign emphasized military expansion and bureaucratic growth, earning him the title of "Soldier King." His advancements established a powerful military legacy that contributed to Prussia’s reputation as a formidable state.

Frederick the Great and Territorial Expansion

Succeeding in 1740, Frederick the Great inherited a robust military and a sound fiscal base. He capitalized on Austria's internal succession challenges following the death of Emperor Charles VI, launching the First Silesian War for a quick occupation of Silesia. Despite initial setbacks, he achieved victory at the Battle of Mollwitz and subsequently solidified control through the Treaty of Berlin.

As tensions escalated in Europe, Frederick declared war on Austria again in 1745, reinforcing his claims to Silesia. This territorial conquest marked Prussia's emergence as a great power, eventually leading to the Seven Years' War amid increasing conflict with multiple European powers.

Frederick’s reign was not solely characterized by military exploits; he also enacted significant economic reforms, promoting trade, stabilizing grain supplies, and supporting early industrialization. His justification of enlightened absolutism, articulated by philosopher Emmanuel Kant, argued that loyalty to the king was a privilege.

Partition of Poland and Legacy

Frederick also sought territorial gains in Polish Prussia, navigating complex alliances with Russia and Austria to orchestrate the First Partition of Poland in 1772, resulting in significant territorial expansion and allowing him to declare himself King of Prussia. His death in 1786 left behind a strengthened kingdom, laying the groundwork for the eventual unification of Germany.

Prussia's evolution from a vassal state to a formidable power under Frederick the Great and his predecessors is attributed to military organizations and economic reforms, culminating in a legacy that positioned Prussia as a significant European actor capable of challenging established powers. Despite its limitations, Frederick's professional army and strategic expansions marked a pivotal moment in European history.