World Civilization
to 1550 C.E.

World Civilization
1550 to the present

World Civilization Interactive Journey

HIST 4130/5130
The Middle Ages

HIST 4950/5950
Medieval Monasticism

HIST 4140/5140
Renaissance and
Reformation

HIST 4280/5280:
Intellectual and
Cultural History
of Europe
to 1500 C.E.

HIST 4285/5285:
Intellectual and
Cultural History
of Europe
since 1500 C.E.

IDST 2310:
The Fine and
Applied Arts
in Civilization

IDST 2205:
Global Issues

Women's Studies

Study Abroad

Writing Resources

Style Sheets and Manuals

Internet
Search
Engines

Databases, Bibliographies,
and other WWW
Research Resources

WebCrossing
Discussions

Online Quizzes

Virtual Tours

Georgia College &
State University

Prussia and the House of Hohenzollern

objectives:

1. Be able to trace the rise of Prussia beginning with the acquisition of Cleves.

2. Be able to discuss the importance of the Peace of Utrecht in Prussian history.

3. Be able to describe Prussian society beginning with Frederick the Great elector and the importance of the Prussian military.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

From humble origins, the House of Brandenburg expanded to become one of the premier military states in Europe. Having fought valiantly in the War of the Spanish Succession, the Duke of Brandenburg was rewarded and allowed to call himself "King of Prussia." His descendants would develop the modern army in Prussia, and although Prussia was the thirteenth largest nation in Europe, it maintained the third largest army. Home to the enlightened despot Frederick the Great, Prussia symbolized an age torn between the old and the new, advocating enlightened ideals, yet maintaining a rigid social order.

"By push of bayonets, no firing until you see the whites of their eyes!"

Frederick the Great, 1757

"Rascals, would you live forever?"

Frederick the Great to the guards when they hesitated at Kolin, 1757

OUTLINE

I. geography of Prussia

A. no sea ports

B. poor mineral resources

C. no natural frontiers

II. Origins in Brandenburg

A. 1417 -- House of Hohenzollern

B. 1614 -- Cleves

i) 1/2 German

ii) 1/2 Polish

iii) 1/2 Lutheran

iv) 1/2 Catholic

C. 1618 -- acquired Duchy of Prussia access to sea

D. 1713 -- Treaty of Utrecht

made Elector of Prussia KING of Prussia

III. Frederick William, The Great Elector (1640-1688)

A. The Standing Army

B. Paid for with money from crown domain and taxes

C. Officers collected taxes

D. Landed aristocracy -- Junkers Hereditary class of military officers

IV. Frederick William I 1713-1740

A. Spent little on his own coronation

i. cut expenses by three fourths of royal household

ii. devoted all money to military

iii. disciplined citizens with a walking stick

iv. worked constantly

v. order of court rearranged -- army officers up, civilians down in rank

B. The army

i. appeared in uniform

ii. system of recruiting from cantons iii. doubled size of army

V. Frederick II (The Great)

A. army of 200,000

i) Prussia very small -- 13th in size of population 3rd largest army

ii) Frederick the Great's Military Instructions

B. violated the Pragmatic Sanction by annexing Silesia

C. Enlightened despot who encouraged education and provided for subjects, yet kept classes frozen in old way.