(1712–86). The king of Prussia from 1740 to 1786 was as Frederick II, or Frederick the Great. He built Prussia into the strongest military power in 18th-century Europe. Under his leadership Prussia expanded its territories far and wide.

Family and early life

Frederick II was born in Berlin on January 24, 1712. He was the first surviving son of Frederick William I, king of Prussia. His mother was Princess Sophia Dorothea of Hanover, sister of King George II of Great Britain.

Frederick's father wanted a practical, military education for his son. Frederick, however, preferred music, art, and literature. The king did not allow the prince's tutors to teach him Latin. Nevertheless, the young prince studied Latin and the classics in secret.

As Frederick became older, the relationship between father and son grew worse. Frederick was beaten and criticized publicly by his father. When Frederick was 18 years old he tried to flee to escape his father's cruelty. He was caught and imprisoned. Frederick's close friend who had helped him to escape was put to death. Frederick's relationship with his father influenced him deeply.

Frederick's reign

When King Frederick William I died in 1740, Frederick became the third king of Prussia. He inherited a prosperous, well-run state and a well-trained army. Frederick spent his first years as king waging war. First he seized Silesia, the richest province in the Austrian Empire. In 1756 he invaded the German state of Saxony because he suspected that it was going to attack Prussia. Other major European powers, including France, Austria, Russia, Sweden, and Britain, were also showing hostility toward Prussia. The attack on Saxony began the Seven Years' War (1756–63), which Prussia won.

An important development during the second half of Frederick's reign was the first division of Poland in 1772. Prussia gained a portion of Poland that became known as the province of West Prussia. The new territory joined formerly divided Prussian territories together. Prussia was then able to defend its borders more easily.

Once Frederick had satisfied his desire to acquire more land, he began many public works programs. He also encouraged education, industry, and immigration. In administrative, economic, and social policy Frederick ruled with almost absolute power.

Under Frederick's leadership the Prussian administration was the most honest and hardworking in Europe. The army was the center of Prussia. The purpose of the administrative system was to recruit, feed, equip, and pay the army.

Frederick prided himself on being the leading representative among rulers of the high culture of his day. But culture to him meant French culture. Frederick wrote and spoke French by preference and used German only when necessary. He invited several of the leading French philosophers to Prussia. He wrote many books on the history and politics of his times. He also wrote poetry and composed music. Frederick the Great died on August 17, 1786.