Frederick the Great

Frederick the Great ruled with brilliance, courage, and a love for the arts. In Fascinating Discoveries about Frederick the Great, explore surprising facts about his military genius, personal passions, and how he transformed Prussia into a major force in Europe.
Frederick the Great
  1. Frederick the Great ruled Prussia from 1740 to 1786, making it one of Europe’s most powerful states.
  2. He was a gifted military strategist, winning battles even when heavily outnumbered.
  3. He loved music and composed more than 100 sonatas and four symphonies during his lifetime.
  4. He spoke six languages fluently, including German, French, English, and Italian.
  5. Frederick’s reign began with the bold invasion of Silesia, sparking the War of Austrian Succession.
  6. Despite his militaristic fame, Frederick the Great considered himself a “philosopher-king.”
  7. He modernized Prussia’s bureaucracy, making government more efficient and merit-based.
  8. He invited Voltaire, the famous French philosopher, to live and work with him at his court.
  1. He built the beautiful Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, often compared to France’s Versailles.
  2. He granted religious freedom to his subjects, a rare move for rulers of his time.
  3. He transformed Prussia’s economy by promoting agriculture, draining swamps, and encouraging potato farming.
  4. Although he never married, Frederick maintained close relationships with several friends and advisors throughout his life.
  5. Frederick survived numerous assassination attempts but remained calm and confident during each crisis.
  6. He revolutionized military tactics, inspiring generals across Europe and even in America.
  7. Today, Frederick the Great is remembered as both a brilliant warrior and a visionary reformer.