The Formation of Prussia

Size and Location of Prussia Located on the southern side of the Baltic Sea Located in between Russia and Poland Made up of three provinces; Brandenburg (the largest), East Prussia and Prussian Poland. It would become the territory of modern day Germany

Prussian Events 1640-1688: Frederick William ruled- (great elector) start of the Hohenzollerns 1688: end of the 30 years war- 1688-1713: Frederick I ruled- he continued to develop the power of the Hohenzollerns 1713-1740: Frederick William I ruled- he increased military power, had a strict economy and used the natural resources of Prussia to the maximum. 1740-1786: Frederick the Great- son of Fredrick William I, promoted religious tolerance, strengthened the military and an absolutist Frederick William I also known as Solider King

Prussian Events Continued 1740-1748: War of Austrian Succession- triggered by Maria Theresa to the vast Habsburg lands over central Asia 1756-1763: 7 Years War- Started with the hostility between Prussia and Austria, still simmering after the War of the Austrian Succession, which expanded through alliances to include all of Europe.  1772: 1st partition of Poland- under Frederick the Great, restored the balance of power

Prussian Militarism The Prussian Army had its roots in the meager mercenary forces of Brandenburg during the Thirty Years' War. Elector Frederick William developed it into a viable standing army, while King Frederick William I of Prussia drastically increased its size. King Frederick the Great led the disciplined Prussian troops to victory during the 18th century Silesian Wars and increased the prestige of the Kingdom of Prussia.  This system was a form of conscription which divided the entire Prussian monarchy into cantons, or recruiting districts assigned to each regiment. In a practice known as enrolling, lists were kept of all males from the age of religious confirmation. The regiment drew men from the list as required to keep it up to strength, training them for about a year before giving them furlough; in other words discharging them on unpaid leave. 

Prussian Army Politically: Socially: Economically: vital for the development of Prussia especially in Brandenburg as an European power. Socially: Try to gain support of Junkers, wealthy land-owning aristocrats All social classes serve the army: the nobility led the army, the middle class supplied the army, and the peasants composed the army Economically: By his death in 1688, Frederick William had faced off his Polish and Swedish enemies, ruthlessly suppressed domestic opposition, imposed new taxes, forged common institutions and established a permanent army of no fewer than 29,154 men.