Frederick the Great

24 January 1712 – 17 August 1786

Frederick II (1712-1786), known as Frederick the Great, was King of Prussia from 1740 until his death. A brilliant military commander, he seized Silesia from Austria and survived the Seven Years' War against a coalition of great powers, doubling Prussia's territory and prestige. He was also an Enlightenment patron, flutist, and prolific writer who corresponded with Voltaire and built the palace of Sanssouci.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Frederick the Great.

Life events

Born in Berlin
24 January 1712

Frederick was born on 24 January 1712, son of King Frederick William I of Prussia and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Attempted flight from Prussia and witnessed the execution of Hans Hermann von Katte
August 1730 – 6 November 1730

After trying to flee his father's harsh regime in 1730, Frederick was imprisoned at Küstrin and forced to watch the execution of his friend and accomplice Katte.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern
12 June 1733

Frederick married Elisabeth Christine on 12 June 1733 at his father's insistence; the marriage remained distant and childless.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Ascended the throne as King in Prussia
31 May 1740

Frederick became king on 31 May 1740 upon the death of his father Frederick William I.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Invaded Silesia, starting the Silesian Wars
16 December 1740

In December 1740 Frederick invaded the Austrian province of Silesia, launching the War of the Austrian Succession and winning Prussia a rich new province.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Built the palace of Sanssouci in Potsdam
1745 – 1747

Frederick's rococo summer palace, designed with his own sketches, was constructed between 1745 and 1747 and became his favorite residence.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Fought the Seven Years' War against Austria, France, and Russia
29 August 1756 – 15 February 1763

Frederick held Prussia together against a superior coalition, winning famous victories at Rossbach and Leuthen in 1757 and retaining Silesia at the war's end.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Took part in the First Partition of Poland
5 August 1772

In 1772 Frederick acquired Royal Prussia (West Prussia), linking Brandenburg with East Prussia, in the first partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died at Sanssouci
17 August 1786

Frederick the Great died in an armchair in his study at Sanssouci on 17 August 1786 and was succeeded by his nephew Frederick William II.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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