The Formation of The Formation of PrussiaPrussia

5.25

Sweden

Strong leadership and innovative military strategies

Rises under Gustavus Adolphus– Invades HRE during Thirty Years War– Controlled Baltic territory– Brilliant military commander

Falls under Charles XII– Defends against Denmark, Poland, Russia– Defeated by Russia, loses territory

The Growth of Brandenburg-Prussia

Centered on Berlin Hohenzollern family rules Receive scattered territory due to

inheritance Connecting the territories becomes the

goal

Fredrick William the Great Elector

Establishes a militaristic culture Uses military to achieve

political/diplomatic ends Expands Prussian territory

The Prussian Military State

Militarism becomes the characteristic of the country: duty, obedience, service, discipline

Small country, great army Support of the army drove governmental policy

– Taxes– Simple lifestyles of rulers (resources go to military, not

fancy palaces)– Imported talented people from the west– The Junkers (landed aristocracy) became officers,

usually in exchange for greater control over the peasants

Frederick William I

Example of Prussian characteristics– Spartan lifestyle– Increased social status of the military– Strict economic policy = large “war chest”

Frederick II (The Great) 1740-1786

Expands holdings in the War of Austrian Succession by invading Silesia– Increases population, industry and army– One of the “Enlightened Despots”