Frederick II (January 24, 1712 – August 17, 1786) was King of Prussia (part of modern day Germany) from 1740 until his death in 1786. He was a renowned military and political leader, greatly increased Prussia’s territory, and turned Prussia into a major European power. Frederick was a proponent of “enlightened absolutism,” an 18th century concept that European monarchs should be influenced by and promote the ideas of the Enlightenment – claiming to do everything for the people, but nothing by the people.
Frederick was 28 years old when he took the throne, inheriting a well-trained army (a Prussian hallmark), from his father. Over time, Frederick molded the army further into one of the most impressive and imposing armies in Europe. He achieved his greatest military triumphs during the War of the Austrian Succession in the 1740’s and then later during the Seven Years’ War in the 1750’s and early 1760’s. Frederick’s army was known for its discipline and flexibility. He emphasized mobility, speed, and paid great attention to supply chain logistics. Often outnumbered, he believed in tactical flexibility, using terrain to his advantage, and executing unexpected maneuvers to achieve surprise.
Frederick was a skilled politician and diplomat, known for his pragmatic and realistic approach to solving political problems. Prussia is geographically surrounded and Frederick skillfully formed strategic alliances, such as that with England during the Seven Years’ War to counter the Austrian, Russian, and French coalition. Frederick was unburdened by idealism, instead guided by practical assessment of how to secure Prussia’s best interests in any given geopolitical situation. He also implemented many domestic reforms to secure internal stability by promoting education, economic development, and administrative efficiency.
In addition to his military and political prowess, Frederick is known for both his intellect and as a patron of the arts, science, and philosophy. He attracted great thinkers such as Voltaire to his court and Frederick’s focus on these matters secured Prussia’s prestige throughout Europe. He was also a prolific writer and intellectual figure during the Age of Enlightenment. Frederick had a profound impact on European history. His military campaigns are still studied by modern military leaders to this day and his legacy as a statesmen lives on as an example of pragmatism for the overall betterment of his people.
Frederick the Great Quotes
“Books make up no small part of human happiness.”
“He who defends everything, defends nothing.”
“Diplomacy without arms is like a concert without a score.”
“It has been said by a certain general, that the first object in the establishment of an army ought to be making provision for the belly, that being the basis and foundation of all operations.”
“We are made for action, and activity is the sovereign remedy for all physical ills.”
“A prince … is only the first servant of the state, who is obliged to act with probity and prudence. … As the sovereign is properly the head of a family of citizens, the father of his people, he ought on all occasions to be the last refuge of the unfortunate.”
“The Prussian army always attacks.”
“We humans are foolish in many ways: we want to conquer all as if we had all time, as if our lives did not have any end. Thus, our real time passes too quickly, and often when one believes that they are working only for themselves, they are in fact working for unworthy or ungrateful successors.”
“No man is without passions. When they are moderated, they are the heart of the enterprise; but when the brake is stripped of them, they are its destruction.”
“My people and I,” he said, “have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.”
“There is no feeling more central to our being than the desire for freedom. From people that are most organized to those that are most barbarian, all are penetrated by it; because, as we are born without chains, we demand to live without constraint. It is this spirit of independence and pride which produced so many great men in the world, and who gave place to the republican governments, which establish a species of equality between the men, and bring them closer to a natural state.”
“It is disgusting to notice the increase in the quantity of coffee used by my subjects, and the amount of money that goes out of the country as a consequence. Everybody is using coffee; this must be prevented. My people must drink beer. His Majesty was brought up on beer, and so were both his ancestors and officers. Many battles have been fought and won by soldiers nourished on beer, and the King does not believe that coffee-drinking soldiers can be relied upon to endure hardships in case of another war.”
Frederick the Great Books
“Frederick the Great: King of Prussia” – by Tim Blanning
“Frederick the Great” – by Nancy Mitford
“History of Prussia: A Captivating Guide to the Kingdom of Prussia and Its Role in the Napoleonic Wars, Franco-Prussian War, and Unification of Germany in 1871 (Exploring Germany’s Past)” – by Captivating History
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