Prussia was not the so-called originator of the European "standing army". That practice was born out of France. Most governments followed the lead of France. The idea there was to always be a military influence and also to keep power away from the nobility. French King Louis XLV took the lead there.
Prussia invaded France in response to France declaring war on Austria. This invasion created a strong army, which conquered most of Europe.
Frederick the Great Elector of Prussia believed a large and efficient standing army was crucial for strengthening and securing his state amid the constant threats from neighboring powers. He viewed a strong military as essential for both defense and the assertion of Prussian influence in Europe. Additionally, an efficient army would enable him to maintain internal order and stability, thereby fostering economic development and centralizing his authority. This military emphasis laid the foundation for Prussia’s emergence as a significant European power.
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.
He used his army to control all of Prussia.
In 1812, Russia had the largest standing army in Europe. The number of troops was 500,000.
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.
Bismarck wanted unification to achieve his aim of a conservative, Prussian-dominated German state, attained through three wars.
Prussian military dominance in Europe was ended in 1806. The force of Napoleon's army collapsed Prussian power.
He used his army to control all of Prussia.
Frederick the Great of Prussia was the most powerful.
Prussia replaced Austria as the leading German state by promoting customs free trade with neighboring states. There was also a demographic shift from Germans to Slavs and Hungarians in Austria.
Frederick the Great, who ruled from 1740 to 1786, is credited with transforming Prussia into a formidable power in Europe. Through military reforms, effective diplomacy, and a focus on economic development, he expanded Prussia's territory and influence. His successes in the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years' War solidified Prussia's reputation as a major European state. Frederick's emphasis on a strong, professional army and enlightened absolutism played a crucial role in shaping Prussia's rise.