Frederick William
BY: Karen and Aleascia
Biography:
Frederick William was born on February 16, 1620 and died on May 9, 1688. He was the oldest son of George William (who he succeeded) and Elizabeth Charlotte. Frederick grew up during the climax of the Thirty Years War, which had some influence in his own leadership. He attended the University of Leiden in Holland, where he was educated in Calvinism. He was married two times, first to Countess Louise Henriette of Nassau, and later to Sophia Dorothea of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. He had a total of 13 kids, 7 with Sophia and 6 with Countess Louise Henriette. His most notable child was, Frederick I of Prussia, who was his successor.
Frederick William was born on February 16, 1620 and died on May 9, 1688. He was the oldest son of George William (who he succeeded) and Elizabeth Charlotte. Frederick grew up during the climax of the Thirty Years War, which had some influence in his own leadership. He attended the University of Leiden in Holland, where he was educated in Calvinism. He was married two times, first to Countess Louise Henriette of Nassau, and later to Sophia Dorothea of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. He had a total of 13 kids, 7 with Sophia and 6 with Countess Louise Henriette. His most notable child was, Frederick I of Prussia, who was his successor.
Platform:
Political/Social:
Political/Social:
- Frederick William centralized administrative bodies in Brandenburg Prussia.
- Frederick has a monarchial rule, which is where the elector has advisors that belong to a council; however he ultimately has the final say in decisions (absolutist).
- In regards to the nobility he exempted nobles from having to pay tax in exchange for the dissolving of the Estates General (assembly of representatives that meet to discuss tax, legislation, and etc.).
- He was able to weaken the influence of the nobility by bargaining and arranging agreements with the nobility as well.
- Frederick William really improved the economy of Brandenburg. By the end of his reign Brandenburg was one of Europe’s strongest powers.
- He created canal structures to improve trade routes and colonized the country.
- Frederick is a big supporter of mercantilist ideals, tariffs, and monopolies.
- He established a colony on the Gold Coast and brought profit through his established African Trading Company.
- He also benefitted economically through welcoming refugees and the immigration of Protestants after the Edict of Potsdam.
- Frederick William is a devoted Calvinist. His political rule is centered on religion and he believes that ruling or leadership is a God given duty (common belief of Calvinists).
- This is demonstrated through the Edict of Potsdam, which was created after Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes (which gave rights to both Catholics and Protestants). The Edict of Potsdam welcomed and encouraged Protestants to move to Brandenburg.
- Frederick sees Catholicism as a threat to his nation, but for economic reasons he welcomes them to Brandenburg (but he doesn’t want it to spread)
- Military:
- Frederick William is a very strategic military ruler. He has a very strong and well raised army that became the model/example for the Prussian Army.
- By 1678 his army was made up of 40,000.
- Prussia was involved in the First Northern War between Poland and Sweden. He actually won freedom from Polish sovereignty and defeated the Swedes in multiple different battles.
- Frederick William has also had a strained and conflicting relationship with France.
- Frederick William is also involved in the arts. He’s into castle building and has a fairly large collection of art.
- He also advocates education and established a few different educational facilities (Lutheran University).
- He also established an Academy of Art and an Academy of Science.
Running mate: LOUISE HENRIETTE OF NASSAU
Louise was born in Hague on November 27, 1627. She was the eldest daughter among her family. She fell in love with a french prince but was expected to marry Charles II of England; however that did not occur. So Louise was married to Frederick William the Great Elector. She became a political advisor to him and of all this wives, Louise had the most political power. During her reign as electress she constructed a new castle in "Dutch" style in the town of Bötzow. She also secured an alliance with Poland through correspondence with Poland’s Queen Marie Louise Gonzaga. Louise and Frederick managed to have six children. Overall Louise was a perfect wife that had an immense influence over her husband. Many couples looked at their relationship as a role model.
Worst Absolute Monarch in Europe: Gustavus Adolphus
- -Enters sweden into Thirty Years War
- -Was king while three wars were occurring
- -Had very aggressive tactics in war; therefore making him a grotesque human being.