Syllabus_Rise_of_Modern_States

The Rise of Absolutist Prussia

Background Reading

• Dominance of Habsburg Austria (17th Century):

  • Habsburg Austria was the leading power in Eastern and Central Europe.

  • Notable features included the imperial capital of Vienna and prominent trade centers in the Netherlands.

  • Survived the Reformation and the Thirty Years War maintaining significant power and wealth.

  • Habsburg role as Holy Roman Emperors had diminished since the reign of Charles V but still held importance over Germany, northern Italy, and Eastern Europe.

Rise of Poland-Lithuania

• Elected Monarchy:

  • In 1697, Augustus II of Saxony was elected as the monarch of Poland-Lithuania, surprising observers due to his origins tied to Protestantism.

  • His conversion to Roman Catholicism enabled his election, gaining support from both Austrian Habsburgs and the Romanov dynasty in Russia.

  • The alliance created strategic advantages for Saxony-Poland in Eastern European affairs, particularly concerning resources like Silesia, known as a "breadbasket" for its agriculture and minerals.

Dynamics of Eastern Europe (1730s)

• Key Powers:

  • The Habsburgs, Wettins (Saxony-Poland), Romanovs (Russia), and declining Sweden dominated the Eastern European landscape.

  • Rise of Prussia:

  • Beginning in the 1740s, the Kingdom of Prussia emerged as a military power, challenging Austria and eliminating Poland-Lithuania from the map.

The Emergence of Hohenzollern Rule

• Two Territories - Brandenburg and East Prussia:

  • Brandenburg within the Holy Roman Empire; East Prussia initially Polish until Germanic migrations.

  • Symbolized by the brutal experiences during the Thirty Years War.

Historical Transformation of Prussia

Development Under Hohenzollern Dynasty

• Albert of Brandenburg (1454):

  • Became the Duke of Prussia, consolidating rule over Brandenburg and East Prussia.

• Geographical Challenges:

  • Brandenburg was poorly suited for large-scale agriculture due to its sandy soil, leading to a slow population growth.

  • Relied on the development of waterways for transportation and trade.

Frederick-William "The Great Elector"

• Late 17th Century Changes:

  • Restored and modernized military forces post-Thirty Years War.

  • Successfully defended against Swedish invasions and secured the Hohenzollern dominance in the region.

Elevation to Kingdom Status

• In 1701:

  • Frederick I of Hohenzollern, son of Frederick-William, negotiated elevation from Electorate to Kingdom of Prussia.

  • Named himself King in Prussia, avoiding direct claims to East Prussia to maintain peace with Poland-Lithuania.

Role of the Junkers

Power Dynamics

• Junker Nobility:

  • Viewed as the service nobility in the Prussian state, held vast estates with near-absolute authority over serfs.

  • Collaborated with the crown for control over military and taxation.

King Frederick I's Contributions

• Cultural Developments:

  • Frederick I established Berlin as a cultural center, emulating the court style of Versailles.

  • Founded new cultural institutions including a university and an Academy of Sciences.

Frederick-William I - the "Soldier King"

Militarization of Prussia

• Militaristic Focus:

  • Shifted cultural focus from the arts to military prowess, establishing a disciplined army and significantly reducing court expenditures.

• Junker Officer Class:

  • Junkers held officer positions ensuring a loyal military and diminishing any rebellion against the monarchy.

  • His rule solidified Prussia as one of the premier absolutist states in Europe.

Legacy of Frederick-William I

• Army and Governance:

  • Transformed the military into a central part of the state, used for tax collection and enforcing royal authority.

  • Upon his death in 1740, he left a storied military legacy with a vast treasure of gold and silver for his son, Frederick II (Frederick the Great).

On the Horizon - Frederick II

• Changing Dynamics:

  • Unlike his father, Frederick II was aggressive, seeking to assert Prussia’s power over Austria and altering the political landscape of Central and Eastern Europe.