Historical Background of Region Prior to the Thirty Years’ War (1618—1648), the central part of Europe was broken into the German states – Nearly 300 independent political units existed The Holy Roman Empire consisted of many German states, but by the end of the Thirty Years’ War the power of the HRE began to fade

Brandenburg—Prussia in 1648 Combination of two states: Brandenburg and Prussia Brandenburg although central in location was still insignificant in HRE dealings Through marriage in the 1600s, the house of Hohenzollern (family) began to win separate parts of the empire

An Unlikely Power At the end of the Thirty Years’ War, there was no sign that Prussia would become a great power Reasons – Each province had separate gov’t and culture – Not economically productive and poor soil – Sparse population – No access to sea or viable trade route

Frederick William (r. 1640—1688) Known as the “Great Elector” Established Prussia as a great power – Will start of process of German unification  19 th century Beginning of the dynasty of Hohenzollerns Defender of Calvinism  joined against Louis XIV’s war against Protestantism

Reforms of Frederick William Although Calvinist, he granted toleration to Catholics and Jews Encouraged industry and trade and utilized foreign craftsmen and Dutch farmers to transform Prussian industry and agriculture Established locally-run gov’t in provinces, but were all answerable to central gov’t in Berlin

Innovations Built the strongest army in Europe Used heavy taxes, but nobility were not exempt like in France – Junkers, landed nobility, agreed to taxes in return for rights to tax their serfs Constructed the Frederick William Canal through Berlin to increase trade traffic – Overseas trade did not become significant until the 19 th century

Frederick I (r. 1688—1713) Son of the Great Elector Built great palaces in Berlin and Charlottenburg Loved the splendor of the monarchy Philosophical and religious discussions were common in the palaces

An Element of Enlightenment Founded the University of Halle in 1692 with a focus on Enlightenment ideas Immigrant scholars and craftsmen were welcomed to Prussia Persuaded by the Enlightenment to open an academy of science

Prussia and War HOWEVER: Frederick I spent most of his reign at war against France and Spain stopping their expansion into the German states. – Defended the Rhineland against the French in the War of the League of Augsburg ( ) – Fought against the French and Spanish during the War of Spanish Succession ( ) – Defined the military tradition of Prussia that will prove vital to German unification

Absolutism in Prussia The dark blue is the area that will expand into Prussia. It was composed of most of the northern German states and the former country of Poland