Frederick the Great (1712-1786): Biography & profile

Explore the fascinating personality of Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great or “Old Fritz,” and his influence in Potsdam! Delve into a brief biography and profile of this Prussian king, and find information on further reading about this significant topic.

Frederick II. – “Frederick the Great”, “Old Fritz” (1712-1786)

born on January 24, 1712 in Berlin
died on August 17, 1786 in Potsdam

Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great or colloquially as “Old Fritz,” was a prominent monarch of the 18th century. He ruled as King of Prussia from 1740 and became King of Brandenburg in 1772, in addition to his role as Elector of Brandenburg from 1740.

Frederick was a member of the esteemed Hohenzollern dynasty. His reign is noted for its significant military achievements, including victories in the Seven Years’ War, and for his efforts in transforming Prussia into a major European power. He is also renowned for his contributions to the arts, philosophy, and administration, embodying the Enlightenment ideals of rational governance and cultural patronage.

Frederick the Great: A Brief Biography

Friedrich II - als Friedrich der Große — Frederick the Great

Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great, was born on January 24, 1712, in the majestic Berlin City Palace. As the son of King Frederick William I and Sophie Dorothea of Hanover, he was part of a remarkable family of seven sons and seven daughters. Frederick was the eldest surviving son, and his sister Wilhelmine was the eldest surviving daughter.

His childhood was marked by hardship, as his father raised him with strict authority and religious influence. The “Prussian virtues” instilled in him would accompany him throughout his life, shaping him into an outstanding military leader. Frederick’s remarkable military skills earned him a place in history as Frederick the Great, and he saw himself as the “First Servant of the State.”

Unlike his father, known as the “Soldier King” for his focus on building a powerful army, Frederick was frequently involved in military conflicts. He waged war against Austria in the War of Austrian Succession until 1748 and unleashed the Seven Years’ War, fighting against a formidable alliance of Austria, Saxony, France, Sweden, and Russia. These wars often brought Prussia to the brink of defeat and near collapse, but Frederick, through ingenious battle strategies and a stroke of luck, managed to win decisive battles and elevate Prussia to a great power.

Despite his military achievements, Frederick’s true interests lay more in playing the flute and reading French novels than in warfare. However, his years as a commander left a profound impact on him.

Frederick is considered a representative of enlightened absolutism. He was known for his tolerance and openness towards immigrants and religious minorities, such as Huguenots and Catholics. His credo, “Everyone shall be happy in their own way,” was not only his personal belief but also influenced his policies.

In addition to his military and political leadership, Frederick implemented significant social reforms, including the abolition of torture and the advancement of the education system.

Frederick passed away on August 17, 1786, in his beloved Sanssouci Palace, in his chair. Contrary to his wishes, he was buried by his nephew and successor, Frederick William II, in the Potsdam Garnison Church. It was not until August 17, 1991, that his final wishes were fulfilled when his remains were transferred to Potsdam and laid to rest on the terrace of Sanssouci in the existing crypt.

Recommended Reading

For further information, we recommend the following literature, available through our partner Amazon and other sources. Additionally, many more valuable resources on the subject can be found on Amazon.

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Friedrich der Grosse: Der König und seine Zeit von Johannes Kunisch Johannes Kunisch stellt Ihnen Friedrich den Großen in einer große Biografie vor. In dem 624 Seiten starken Werk wird durch einen führenden Friedrich Biograf die zweiseitige Persönlichkeit des preußischen Herrschers dargestellt. Denn er galt als das Genie unter Preußens Herrschern und zugleich die Inkarnation all dessen, was an Preußen fragwürdig, unheilvoll und geradezu dämonisch erscheinen ließ.
Friedrich der Große: König von Preußen von Tim Blanning Tim Blanning schafft es das Genie des berühmtesten preußischen Königs, seine Vitalität und komplexe Persönlichkeit ebenso ein wie das Ungeheuer Friedrich mit seinen fatalen Engstirnigkeiten festzuhalten und dem Leser zu transportieren. Auch hierbei handelt es sich um eine große, sehr umfassende Biografie des Herrschers.
Friedrich II. von Ewald Frie Ewald Frie hinterfragt den Mythos des Alten Fritz kritisch und stellt die wechselvolle Wirkungsgeschichte von Friedrich II. dar. Dabei geht er den Fragen nach, Was für eine Persönlichkeit war dieser Monarch, und woraus schöpfte er die Ideen und die Kraft für seine militärischen und politischen Taten? Das Buch ist ein guter Einstieg in die Geschichte des Herrschers.
Friedrich II. von Preußen.: Leistung und Leben eines großen Königs von Gerd Heinrich Mit dem Ansinnen um größtmögliche Objektivität versucht der Autor Gerd Heinrich die moralischen oder ideologischen Fragestellungen seiner Zeit möglichst mit einem unabhängigen Blick festzuhalten und zu bewerten. In dem 512 Seiten dicken Werk führt er dem Leser die vielseitige Lebensleistung Friedrichs vor Augen.
Fridericus Rex. Friedrich der Große: Porträt einer Doppelnatur von Wolfgang Venohr Dieses Buch beleuchtet das facettenreiche Bild von Friedrich dem Großen, der zahlreiche Legenden und politische Interpretationen während seines Lebens und in der Geschichte erlebte. Es untersucht die verschiedenen Seiten seiner Persönlichkeit, die humanitären Ideale der Aufklärung, die er zu Beginn seiner Regierungszeit verfolgte, sowie seine pragmatische Machtpolitik, die zur Annexion Schlesiens führte. Der Autor, Wolfgang Venohr, bietet eine anschauliche Biographie und versucht, jenseits von Legenden und Glorifizierungen, ein realistisches Bild von Friedrich II. zu zeichnen. Das Buch umfasst 464 Seiten mit wenigen Abbildungen und ist im Hardcover-Format erhältlich.
Lektüretipp zum 310. Geburtstag Friedrichs des Großen \| Francesco Algarotti Das im Bertuch Verlag Weimar erschienene Taschenbuch FRANCESCO ALGAROTTI. Gelehrter – Connaisseur – Poet [ISBN 978-3-86397-140-3] spannt einen weiten Bogen von Venedig über Dresden nach Berlin und Potsdam. Es gibt auf unterhaltsame Weise Auskunft, welche künstlerischen und kulinarischen Delikatessen Algarotti zu verdanken sind.