Frederick the Great

Why did domestic policy become a secondary focus?

so much of Fred's time was devoted to the army and to foreign policy

Which treaty gave most of Silesia to Prussia?

the Treaty of Breslau

what did Frederick say about gaining the territory in Silesia?

gaining territory in Silesia 'afforded the means of acquiring reputation and augmented the power of the State'

what does calvinism explain regarding Frederick's personal qualities?

his hard-working ethos of service to the state to fulfill the pre-destination idea

In what ways was Silesia economically advanced?

home to a prospering textile industry and excellent water communications

Examples of reforms regarding land use to ensure the support of the nobility

in 1762,the sale of noble land to. non-noble was forbidden, thus further ossifying the social ranks, which contradicted key enlightenment ideals

fred's main aim for land reform

increasing agricultural output

Taxation reform

introduction of indirect taxation, which provided more revenue than direct taxation (although almost certainly regressive) introduction of new taxes on tobacco and other minor commodities in an attempt to increase revenue

Why did Fred focus on the expansion of the army (like his father)?

it was a tool notably to defend Prussia from enemies but to also establish power in Europe

restrictions that prevented noble exploitation of serfdom in order to increase efficiency

limiting serf labor obligations to 4 days a week

when was Fred's reign?

1740-86

advantages of Silesia

Unlike Prussia, it was economically ver viable; it was populous (1,000,000 inhabitant), economically advanced (home to a prospering textile industry and excellent water communications), and agriculturally productive

How did Frederick regard kingship and what principle did he follow?

as a duty followed the principle of 'raisons d'etat' by which the Prussian state was considered preeminent and of the upmost importance, rather than establishing a dynasty (very different to absolutist monarchs)

What was the Superior Consistency?

attempted to standardize the church through Brandenburg-Prussia as it had varied greatly, as well as establishing control over it succesful

what did Kant, an important philosopher of the enlightenment, say about Fred's policies?

based on self-interest, not morality

What is danger of protectionist policies and how did Fred avoid this?

can lead a lack of innovation or change in domestic industry due to lack of competition. Fred avoided this through precision used to determine tariffs only where there were economic benefits

reality of the restrictions placed on society

few in number rarely enforced relatively mundane and did not challenge the social structure in Prussia in any way, particularly as social status remained unchanged This therefore does not show full commitment to the enlightenment, and instead enables the power of the nobility to never be threatened, thus suggesting failure to at as a servant the whole of the state

Evidence the Frederick was an enlightened character

frequent correspondence with Voltaire interest in art and music lack of interest in religion spoke French in court wrote a book

What did Fred's legal reforms overall do?

furthered the rights of the nobility in order to ensure their loyalty

Example of Fred's economic protectionist policies

high taxes on foreign imports in order to promote domestic industry

argument outline regarding concept of realpolitik

one perspective is that his FP was immoral and thus contradicts the enlightenment, in which liberalism and the rights of the individual were celebrated. Another perspective is that his FP reflects a strong sense of service to the state, as it showed that Fred was willing to sacrifice plenty and go against traditional methods (so, is perhaps in a. sense enlightened), in order to allow Prussia to come an emerging power and ameliorate the reputation of the Prussian military.

An example of Fred's fundamentally flawed fiscal policies

policy of deflation through the maintenance of a large reserve of money, which removed from circulation much of the liquid capital of a poor society Therefore although Fred established the Royal Bank of Berlin in 1756, it had very little impact due to insufficient capital an example of risky decisions to achieve military success - personal ambition

How and did Fred control the prices of grain?

the central government controlled grain prices because Fred recognized that producing too much too quickly would cause a decrease in food price, which would have detrimentally affected farmers and people selling these goods. Government control prevented significant fluctuations in prices - somewhat successful as food security increased, while incorporating new ides of land reclamation, which suggests a degree of enlightened thinking

how did Frederick consider his role as King?

the first servant of the state

What did Fred say about Prussia in an exchange with Voltaire in 1776?

'apart from Libya, there are few states that could equal ours when it comes to sand... we are poor with scarcely any resources'

What did Fred write in his 'Testament Politique' in 1752? - example of mercantilist ideas

'the foundation of trade an manufacturers is to prevent money leaving the countermand to make it come in'

How many inhabitants did Silesia have?1

1000000

When did Fred invade Silesia?

1740

When was the War of Austrian Succession?

1740-1748

When was the treaty of Breslau?

1742

When was the battle of Hohenfriedberg

1745

When was the Diplomatic Revolution

1756

When was the Seven Years War?

1756-1763

General Education Regulations of 1763

1763 attempted to create a system of universal primary education although this policy had limited practical effect as a result of a lack of resources, it laid the foundation for one of the first primary education systems

when was the 1st partition of Poland?

1772

Number of men in the army at the end of Fred's reign

180,000

Number of men in the army during gate reign of Frederick I (his father)

80,000

What religion was Prussia?

Calvinist

Failure to reform law

Despite his codification of the law, Fred often took cases form his judges and imposed imperious and arbitrary personal decisions e.g. Unlike Cathy, Fred sometimes used torture a sa judicial punishments

How was Maria able to develop an anti-fred alliance?

Diplomatic Revolution Empress Elizabeth of Russia considered Fred to be unprincipled and dangerous

An example of a way in which Fred attempted to boost domestic industry (besides form protectionist policies)

Fred commissioned Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky to promote the silk and porcelain industries within Prussia

Consequence of Fred's arguably reckless policy where he pursued pre-emptive military action against his rivals (therefore forsaking diplomacy)

Fred was surrounded by his enemies and left in a. vulnerable position

Argument outline

Frederick personally expressed many enlightened qualities, but one must consider that his personal enlightened principles were not implemented into his foreign and domestic policies, as Frederick had such a large focus on expanding the army. In fact, the two overriding policies for Frederick were the security of the kingdom and the psychological urge to promote Prussia to establish his military and historical reputation. Consequently, many have questioned whether Fred's personal ambitions motivated his policies, rather then his wish to ameliorate the state of Prussia.

How did Fred maintain absolutist rule?

He did not allow for a legislative body that would have been able to limit his powers although, one perspective is that by becoming Lord Chancellor in 1746, Von Cocceji moved the state from personal despotism to constitutional absolutism, in reality Fred maintained tight control over the government,adn no one posed any legal threat to his power the idea of constitutional absolutism is in itself contradictory as absolute monarchs are omnipotent and are not restrained by a representative body. Int theory, the whole enlightenment was based upon establishing a constitutional monarchy, so Fred's desire for power is evidence against being enlightened

Dominant economic policy in Prussia

Mercantilism despite limited and hesitant steps towards free trade

Argument outline regarding economic policy

Mercantilism in itself considered to be an outdated economic policy and therefore did not correspond with enlightenment ideals. However, strong commitment to boosting domestic industry suggests a strong sentiment of service to the state

Why was economic reform so important to Fred?

Needed to collect enough money to maintain his military campaigns

What was Frederick's main focus

expanding the army

Argument outline around Fred and nobility

One perspective: although Fred claimed to be 'a monarch of the people' one must question the reality behind this; one cannot represent the needs of 'the people' by favoring the ennobled elite and disregarding the rest of the population. Another perspective: overall his policies better serve the interests of the state rather than those of the nobility. Firstly, it can be noted that the administrative, judiciary, and military positions had limited de facto influence as Fred exerted heavy personal control over the government. Secondly, one must consider the strong links between the interests of the nobility and those of the state

Evidence for Fred's significant improvement of the military situation in Prussia

Prussia celebrate many military victories, and in doing so became a dominant second-class European power

direct consequence of Spain and the Dutch Republic declining and forfeiting their status of European powers

Prussia joined France, Britain, Russia, and Austria to form a pentarchy of European states that were capable of acting independently in international affairs. Fred therefore achieved his aim of increasing Prussian importance in Europe

Diplomatic consequence of 'the rape of silesia'

Prussia's diplomatic position was severely weakened as a result of Fred's blatant disregard for diplomacy, which led to the Diplomatic Revolution in 1756, whereby France and Austria made a historic alliance, as it was the first major change in diplomacy for 250 years

How successful were the attempts to boost the silk and porcelain industries?

Silk industry was a failure as it was costly and ineffective Some successes with the porcelain industry, particularly in Dresden

An example of economic success

Stabilizing the value of the Thaler after wars in order to prevent economic crisis and build the economy, as it was beneficial for domestic reasons but also for trade Under the Mint Edict of 1763, the rates of depreciated coins that would not be accepted was stabilized, and provided for the payment of taxes in currency of pre-Seven Years Was value

Examples of reforms to strengthen the nobility

Strengthened the nobility at the expense of the meritocracy as nobles gained the monopoly of higher ranks in the army, in administration, and in the judiciary. For example, all ministers were chosen form the ranks of the nobility and with the exception fo a short period of time during the Seven Years War where the demand succeeded the supply, the nobility were offered higher ranks in the army.

What was the title of Frederick's book and what did it express?

The Anti-Machiavel expressed enlightened views of rational thinking and benevolent statesmanship

Frederick's father

a contrast to Frederick was old-fashioned and philistine nicknamed the 'soldier king' difficult relationship with Frederick

Examples of limited steps towards free trade

abolition of blanket tariffs creation of the Maritime Trading Company in 1772

Fred and serfdom

although Fred claimed to be personally against serfdom, he never abolished it, and any laws that prohibited the mistreatment of serfs were rarely enforced Suggests Fred more concerned with favoring the nobility, thus presenting him as disregarding the rest of the people

were his religious policies enlightened

arguably the most enlightened aspect of his reign

How could the invasion of Silesia suggest service to the state?

clear economic motivations

Social and Educational reforms argument outline

clear enlighten rhetoric HOWEVER all reforms relatively minor and did not have a significant de facto impact possible to question fred's motives, as these minor impacts show a reluctance to embrace major enlightenment reforms, such as a change in social structure, and so suggests they were more for show, rather than impacting the state, implying that Frederick was more concerned with his personal image rather than service to the state

The underlying theme of Fred's first half of reign until 1763

defending Silesia from a host of enemies overall Fred was able to hold on to Silesia and resist the retributions of Maria Teresa and the Austrians

examples of Fred's land reform ( centered around increasing agricultural output)

draining swamps opening new farmland for colonizers who would increase the kingdom's food supply The resulting program cerated 60,000 hectares of new farmland Invasion of Silesia beneficial due to the fertile

Apart from gaining territory in Silesia, what else had Frederick succeeded in after winning the war of Austrian succession?

establishing supremacy in Northern Germany over his great rivals of Hanover and Saxony now Prussia was even challenging Austria for domination over the German-speaking world

fred's decision not to allow a legislative body - evidence foe enlightenment?

made the government more efficient - service to the state Prussia was the best administered state in the 18th century - its civil service was not corrupted , and the bureaucracy made it a model for government efficiency

Frederick overall conclusion

many reforms seemed at the surface enlightened, but impact of these reforms mostly insignificant, and they did not attempt to enlighten the major structures and dynamics within the country - possible they were for show - own personal interests of improving disown reputation Therefore, although policies themselves may be enlightened, the motivations behind them were not - since enlightenment embodies the idea of acting for the good of the governed rather than the advancement of one's self-interest - the motivations meant that the policies were not enlightened policies may not be enlightened but may still act as service to the state - however for many of the policies, motivations were too personal to be considered service to the state Nevertheless, Fred brought about the emergence of Prussia as a European power, and thus one can argue that despite the personal motivations, the policies did do service to the state, as Prussia's power within Europe transformed 1740-86

Impact of tax reform

new policies proved largely ineffective and the tax system, remained based not eh excise (largely a tax on food) paid by towns, and on the contribution (a complex property tax) raised in the countryside, supplemented by the profits of extensive royal domains. These taxes, alongside the absence of an income tax, disadvantaged the peasantry (but not to the extent to which it did in France)

who was the great victor of the war of Austrian succession?

prussia

What concept did the battle of Hohenfriedberg reflect?

realpolitik, whereby the ends justify the means

ways to see that Prussia was a more enlightened country in 1786 than in 1740

religious toleration, immigration, law reform, patronage of the arts, the way in which Fred viewed his role as king, emphasis on high culture

Limitations on bourgeoisie

remained socially impossible to move up in society and become ennobled - ossified social status

Main disadvantage in Prussia

scarce in natural ersources

Outcome of The Seven Years War for Fred

significant cost to Frederick Fred only just survived, saved by the untimely death of Elizabeth I in 1762, allowing Peter III, who personally idolized Fred, to withdraw Russia form the war.

attempts to make social reforms (although the success of these reforms was sometimes limited) that followed enlightenment ideals

society became freer as press censorship was lifted public penance for unmarried mothers was lifted hunting privileges of the Crown and nobility were restricted less cruelty in army Berlin Academy re-established philosopher Christian Wolff was recalled as personal chair at Halle University

Example of realpolitik, where Frederick attempted to achieve FP aims, no matter the human cost

the 'rape of Silesia' policy of undeclared war 1st partition of Poland in 1772

Repercussions of the invasion of Silesia

the War of Austrian Succession (1740-48) the Seven Years War (1756-63) the Diplomatic Revolution of 1756

what was battle of Hohenfriedberg

the decisive battle when Fred's army of 55,000 faced roughly the same number of Austrians and Saxons, but managed to capture 7,000 and kill 4,000, while accounting for the loss of just 1000 Prussians - suggests great military skill Frederick acquired the title of 'the great' in the process

Argument supporting the strong links between the interests of the nobility and those of the state

the extension of the bureaucracy was in itself an effort to advance the interests of the state, and so Fred merely used the nobility as a means to achieve this aim. Furthermore, many of the nobles were not permitted to serve in the new bureaucracy because of a lack of university education or incompetency in civil service exams, and judges were selected on the basis of competent, and thus one perspective must not view Fred's policies as a means of advancing the interests of the nobility as a whole

who did Fred's domestic policy mainly serve?

the interests of the nobility more than the interests of the state as Fred became reliant on the nobility

What was Fred's most defining moment

the invasion of Silesia following the death of Charles VI, ignoring the Pragmatic Sanction in favor of his daughter, Maria Teresa

Why was Fred reliant on the nobility?

the nobility played a large role in an increasingly centralized bureaucracy, and so they held great influential power within Prussian society

Example of economic reform surrounding mercantilist ideas

the prohibition go individuals taking more than 300 Thaler out of the territory

Frederick's two overriding principles

the security of the kingdom and the psychological urge to promote Prussia to establish his military and historical reputation.

What did Fred's closest advisors try to do?

to dissuade Frederick form invading Silesia. However, Fred persisted and ultimately achieved his goal, suggesting a strong sense of service to the state as Fred defied his ministers in order to do what he thought was best for the state

What was the main question throughout Fred's reign 1740-86?

to reconcile the pursuit and practice of power and the security of the state with the requirements of morality

Main economic success

unlike other European powers, Prussia never faced severe debt because of Fred's strict control over expenditure and efficient tax collection

Policy of Religious toleration

very enlightened - shows a belief in liberalism although discrimination existed, Fred was more tolerant of Jews and Catholics than other neighboring German states Fred retained Jesuit teachers in Silesia, Warmia, and the Netze district even after their suppression by Pope Clement XIV. Like Cathy, Fred recognized that the educational skills of the jesuits was an asset for the nation Open policy of immigration of French Huguenots (economic benefits) but also beneficial as Protestant faith united the country through shared values

Conclusion regarding Fred's forming policy

very risky, and so arguably not for the benefit of the state, and rather for personal ambitions, as Fred fails to consider the personal impact of his reckless policies on the Prussian people another perspective: blinded by his passion or the state

Fred's closest advisors

von Podewils von Schwerin