Frederick William ruled Prussia after the Thirty Years' War. Known as the Great Elector, he made a deal with the powerful nobles in the various parts of Prussia. In exchange for a standing army, Frederick William agreed to give the nobles complete control over their serfs, or peasants. However, the Prussian ruler wanted to be an absolutist monarch like leaders in Western Europe. Once Frederick William had his standing army, he began implementing his policies without the permission of the nobles. By this time it was too late for the nobles to resist. Frederick William had the power to tax and the army to back him up - two of the key elements of an absolute state.
From then on, Prussian rulers maintained strong armies and a unified nation. By 1740, Prussia had one of the most powerful armies in Europe. It was only a matter of time before Prussia would clash with its neighbors. These conflicts would once again redraw the map of Europe and change political alliances.
When Frederick the Great wanted to expand Prussia into a great nation, he conducted a series of wars. He planned an invasion of the Austrian province Silesia. One war of importance was the great battle of Warsaw. In this battle, Prussia was able to unite other Germanic forces, creating an even greater reputation in Prussia.
from elzibeth
by birth right
Frederick the Great came to power in Prussia in 1740. He inherited the thrown after his father's death.
Frederick William ruled Prussia after the Thirty Years' War. Known as the Great Elector, he made a deal with the powerful nobles in the various parts of Prussia. In exchange for a standing army, Frederick William agreed to give the nobles complete control over their serfs, or peasants. However, the Prussian ruler wanted to be an absolutist monarch like leaders in Western Europe. Once Frederick William had his standing army, he began implementing his policies without the permission of the nobles. By this time it was too late for the nobles to resist. Frederick William had the power to tax and the army to back him up - two of the key elements of an absolute state. From then on, Prussian rulers maintained strong armies and a unified nation. By 1740, Prussia had one of the most powerful armies in Europe. It was only a matter of time before Prussia would clash with its neighbors. These conflicts would once again redraw the map of Europe and change political alliances.
King of Prussia.
Prussia
Fredrick William the Great Elector was able to build Brandenburg-Prussia into a major power through his army. Fredrick William was elector of Bradenburg-Prussia from 1640 to 1688.
Frederick II came to power as the Holy Roman Emperor in 1215.
The kings of Prussia ruled as an absolute monarchy from 1701-1740. A strong army helped the rulers gain power.
Absolute monarchy.
James I believed he had absolute power, while William of Orange agreed to restrictions on his power.
because he got a unicorn that barfs rainbows and killed everyone
cause he jus did