King · 1712 – 1786
Frederick the Great
Key Takeaways
- Frederick the Great made Prussia a major European power.
- He was one of the greatest military commanders of his age.
- He survived the Seven Years' War against a coalition of great powers.
- He was a model 'enlightened despot', reforming law and promoting tolerance.
Frederick the Great turned the modest kingdom of Prussia into a great power — and did it as both a brilliant general and a philosopher-king. “Old Fritz,” as his soldiers called him, became the model of the enlightened despot.
Master of war
Frederick stunned Europe early in his reign by seizing the rich province of Silesia from Austria and its ruler Maria Theresa, igniting decades of war. In the Seven Years’ War he faced Austria, France and Russia all at once — and, through victories like Rossbach and Leuthen and sheer endurance, somehow survived, his generalship studied by commanders ever after, including Napoleon.
The philosopher-king
Off the battlefield, Frederick was a man of the Enlightenment. He reformed Prussian law, championed religious tolerance, played and composed music, and hosted thinkers like Voltaire at his palace of Sanssouci. By his death Prussia stood among Europe’s great powers — and on the path that would one day lead it to unite Germany.
Influence
Frederick combined battlefield genius with enlightened reform, raising Prussia to the front rank of powers and setting it on the path to leading a future united Germany.
Legacy
Admired as both a great general and a philosopher-king, he made Prussia a great power and became a model of the enlightened ruler.
Connections
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Frederick the Great?
Frederick the Great (1712–1786) was the king of Prussia who made it a major power through military genius and enlightened reform.
Why is Frederick the Great famous?
He is famous for his brilliant generalship, for raising Prussia to great-power status, and for being a model 'enlightened despot' who reformed law and patronized the arts.
Citations & Sources
People Like Frederick
Voltaire
90Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher and wit, a tireless champion of reason, free speech and religious tolerance and one of the most influential figures of his age.
Why The Enlightenment philosopher who stayed at Frederick's court and corresponded with him.
Napoleon Bonaparte
94Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose during the French Revolution, crowned himself Emperor, and dominated European affairs for over a decade.
Why A later military genius who studied and admired Frederick's campaigns.
Maria Theresa
81Maria Theresa was the only female ruler of the Habsburg domains, a formidable empress who defended and reformed her vast inheritance against powerful enemies and reshaped Austria into a modern state while raising sixteen children.
Why The Austrian ruler who was Frederick's great rival for power in central Europe.
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Why Also a king & military leader · Comparable historical impact
Shivaji
80Shivaji was the warrior-king who founded the Maratha Empire in western India, a brilliant guerrilla commander who challenged the mighty Mughal Empire and built a state celebrated for its administration and naval power.
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Alfred the Great
80Alfred the Great was the king of Wessex who defended Anglo-Saxon England against the Vikings, reformed law, learning and defense, and is the only English monarch ever called "the Great".
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