1. The Prussian State
The "Sparta of the North"

2. Historical Background
Prussia composed of 3 non-contiguous territories
Prussia in Poland - capital Königsberg
Brandenburg - capital Berlin
Scattered holdings along Rhine River in Western Germany
Prussia is Germanic island in Slavic territory conquered during “The northern crusades in the middle ages.
Brandenburg is a sandy and swamp filled marsh with no defensible borders

3. Hohenzollern Castle in Stuttgart
Hohenzollern Dynasty
Hohenzollerns described as "spectators to the 30 years war"
Hohenzollern family rises to prominence after 30 years war as one of the six electors of the Holy Roman Empire - called the electors of Brandenburg
Inherit Dukedom of Prussia from junior branch of family that dies out
Hohenzollern Castle in Stuttgart

4. The Road to Absolutism
Frederick William (r ) also known as the Great Elector comes to Prussian throne at age 20
Decides to unite his 3 disparate territories by diplomacy and war if necessary
Ignores the rights of Prussian and Brandenburg nobles in their representative assemblies
Levies new taxes on Junkers and peasants without consent of the Estates of Brandenburg and Prussia

5. Do as the French do...
1660- Frederick William raises taxes to create the first standing Prussian Army
Wars with Sweden for control of the Baltic Sea and wars with Louis XIV create climate of perpetual crisis
Allows monarch to further consolidate power around military

6. The Prussian Spirit
Frederick III (r ) "the Ostentacious" is retitled King Frederick I of Prussia
Imitated Louis XIV lifestyle and extravagance
Frederick William I (r ) called the "soldier-king" cements Prussia's role as a military state
Strict military values dominate society

7. Might makes right Frederick William I' philosophy
"a formidable army and a war chest large enough to make this army mobile in times of need can create great respect for you in the world, so that you can speak a word like other powers."