How did Frederick William gain power in Prussia?

Answer 1

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.