Frederick the Great transformed Prussia from a small state into a major European power. You might know him as a military genius, but his personal life was surprisingly eccentric. He preferred speaking French over German and loved his dogs more than his family. Furthermore, he was a talented musician who composed endless sonatas. His reign left a mark on history that goes beyond just battles and borders. Consequently, his legacy includes everything from musical masterpieces to the humble potato. Let’s dive into the strange world of Old Fritz.
Frederick the Great
Frederick the Great is famous for introducing the potato to Germany. He cleverly placed armed guards around his potato fields to make the vegetable seem valuable.
Peasants originally refused to eat potatoes because they looked dirty and strange. However, the King’s reverse psychology worked, and they soon stole the “royal” crop to plant themselves.
Surprisingly, he stood only about 5 feet 3 inches [1.60 meters] tall. Despite his small physical stature, he commanded huge respect on the battlefield.
He possessed a massive collection of over 300 jeweled snuff boxes. He loved these small boxes so much that he often carried several in his pockets at once.
Visitors today still place raw potatoes on his grave at Sanssouci Palace. This unique tribute honors his effort to prevent famine in Prussia during the 18th century.
He composed over 100 sonatas and four symphonies for the flute. Additionally, he practiced for hours every day and performed evening concerts for his court.
His father was terrifyingly abusive and forced him to watch his best friend’s execution. This traumatic event in 1730 shaped his personality and hardened him for his future reign.
Frederick the Great drank his coffee with a strange and spicy twist. He brewed it with champagne instead of water and added a spoonful of mustard to the mix.
He hated the German language and considered it barbaric and unrefined. Consequently, he spoke and wrote almost exclusively in French throughout his entire life.
He specifically requested to be buried next to his beloved greyhounds. He famously said that he preferred the company of his dogs to that of most humans.
During the Seven Years’ War, he carried a vial of poison in his coat. He planned to kill himself immediately if his enemies ever captured him alive.
He built the Berlin State Opera house during the early years of his reign. It became the first free-standing opera house in the world, rather than part of a palace.
His body went on a long journey after his death in 1786. It was moved to a salt mine during World War II before finally returning to Sanssouci in 1991.
The King barely bathed and often wore old, stained military uniforms. He cared very little for personal hygiene or fashion, unlike other monarchs of his time.
He had a turbulent friendship with the famous French philosopher Voltaire. They lived together for three years but argued constantly until Voltaire fled the country in anger.
