Absolutist Prussia

Absolutist Prussia

A Powerpoint based on Mr. Richeys design; additions and alterations by Mr. RobinsonThe Holy Roman Empire

Art Credit: David Liuzzo & N3MOThe Holy Roman EmpireNeither Holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire!

-- Voltaire

ConfederationPrussia in the 17th Century

Brandenburg-Prussia

Early HohenzollernsRuled as electors of Brandenburg and dukes of PrussiaFirst among equals (simply the largest landowner in a landlord society)Dukes of Prussia part of PolandBrandenburg called the sand-box of the HRENo sea port

The Sandboxof the Holy Roman EmpireBrandenburg established in 950 AD by Otto IOne of the 7 Electors of HRE (1417s Golden Bull)Marriages increase size of BrandenburgPeace of Westphalia grant more land (3 Bishoprics & 1 Archbishopric)No natural borders fragmented areas

Building an Absolutist StateChurchNobility (Junkers)Representative Bodies (Estates)EducationProtestantReligious TolerationCooperation(Service Nobility)Reduced PowerTaxation by DecreeCompulsory Public Education (1st system of its kind)Hohenzollern DynastyThe Fredericks

(r. 1640-1688)The Great Elector Father of Prussian Absolutism

Frederick WilliamFrederick William: 1640-1688The Great ElectorTry to unite:Historic Brandenburg (area around Berlin)PrussiaScattered holdings around Rhine RiverEach dominated by Junkers (landowning class)

He managed to get estates (Junkers) to accept taxation without consentReconfirmed Junker privileges (including authority over serfs)State revenue tripleUsed $ to pay for standing armyOngoing euro war & threat or Russia justified military $$$Army leaped ahead tenfoldCrush the cities!!!Junkers won overNeeded to crush the influence of towns/cities that opposed himCities eliminated from the estates one by oneNew taxes on goods & servicesConsolidation of Prussian AbsolutismThe Great Elector died in 1688Newly formed Absolutist Prussia was still fragileSuccessor Elector Frederick III (the Ostentatious) aka KING Frederick I: 1688-1713Weak ruler tried to copy Louis XIVs courtCrowned King by Hapsburg for helping in War of Sp Succ.

Frederick William I(r. 1713-1740)The Soldier King SoldatenknigKing Frederick William ISoldiers King: 1713-1740After Frederick I, Frederick William I took throneCrude, Dangerous and psychoneurotic manBent on organization and military build upAlways wore military uniform

Enlisted Junkers into militaryBecame the officer casteMany commoners served in civil governmentLast traces of parliamentary Estates and local self-government goneBy 1740, Prussia had 4th largest army in EuropeSoldier to soldier, Prussias army was bestSkill, discipline, and organizationSparta of the NorthHighest virtue = unquestioned obedience

THIS... IS... SPARTA!

A formidable army and a war chest large enough to make this army mobile in times of need can create great respect for you in the world, so that you can speak a word like the other powers. -- Frederick William I

All successful rulers keep God before their eyes and have no mistresses or, rather, whores, and lead a godly life

-- Frederick William IMarie Anglique de Scorailles, one of Louis XIVs many mistresses

Im going to get rid of all my mistresses so I can be more successful. jk lol #PimpinAintEasy

The most beautiful girl or woman in the world would be a matter of indifference to me, but tall soldiers - they are my weakness. -- Frederick William IPotsdam GIANTSInternationally-recruited regiment of tall soldiers

Everything must be committed except eternal salvation that belongs to God, but all else is mine. -- Frederick William IMILITARISM

Carl Rchling (d. 1920), Attack of the Prussian InfantryMILITARISM

Carl Rchling (d. 1920), Attack of the Prussian Infantry12TH Largest PopulationMILITARISM

Carl Rchling (d. 1920), Attack of the Prussian Infantry12TH Largest Population4TH Largest ArmyMILITARISM

Carl Rchling (d. 1920), Attack of the Prussian InfantryArmies from Russia to the United States adopted the Prussian drill model.

Baron von SteubenTrained Washingtons Continental Army in Prussian-style drillEnlightened Absolutist Friend of VoltaireFrederick II the Great

(r. 1740-1786)King Frederick II the Great(1740-1786)Enlightened Monarch!!!Letters with VoltaireRulers should be the first servant of the stateEnlightened Ideas implementedSingle code of law for all territoriesNo torture except for treason & murderToleration of religionSome limited free speech & pressToo dependent on nobles to free serfs yetEnlarged military to 200,000Seized Silesia (Austrian province)Made Prussia & Austria enemiesPulled into 2 wars over this:War of Austrian SuccessionSeven Years WarFirst Partition of Poland gave land to Brandenburg-PrussiaBy end of his reign, Prussia a major European power