Frederick II Biography

Quick Facts

NAME: Frederick II
OCCUPATION: King
BIRTH DATE: January 24, 1712
DEATH DATE: August 17, 1786
PLACE OF BIRTH: Berlin, Germany
PLACE OF DEATH: Potsdam, Germany
AKA: Frederick the Great
AKA: Friedrich II
AKA: Frederick Hohenzollern
Nickname: Frederick the Great
Nickname: King of Prussia
Nickname: "Old Fritz"

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Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great, was Prussia's king from 1740 to 1786. By winning wars and expanding territories, he established Prussia as a strong military power.

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Frederick II

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However, the death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia placed advocate Peter III on the throne and Russia withdrew from the war. Although Frederick did not gain territory, the ensuing treaty allowed him to retain Silesia and made him popular throughout the many German-speaking territories. Prussia became one of the preeminent powers in Europe.

Domestically, Frederick's Enlightenment influence was more evident. He reformed the military and government,

established religious toleration and granted a basic form of freedom of the press. He bolstered the legal system and established the first German code of law. Of all things, Frederick the Great, as he became to be known, left a legacy of devotion to Germany that set the example for leaders into the 20th century.