1. The Rise of Prussia
Jennifer Chlam

2. The Hohenzollern Family
They ruled Brandenburg since 1417

3. Powerful State The Hohenzollern rulers collected taxes to form an army
This gave them the power to enforce their will without the approval of the nobility
Nobles who obeyed the rulers were granted the right to demand obedience from their serfs.

4. Social Structure Officer Corps had the highest social status
Peasants and the urban class were heavily taxed
The army and the Elector showed the unity of state
There were different laws for the army and civilians

5. Frederick William I King of Prussia The army was expanded under him
Grew from 39,000 to over 80,000 by 1740
Prussia’s army was the 3rd or 4th largest in Europe
Compared to its ranking as 13th largest population in Europe
This made Prussia a military ally
He avoided wars and conflicts

6. Frederick William II
He invaed Silesia as soon as he came to the throne
This began the rivalry between Austria and Prussia over the control of Germany

7. Works Cited