Absolutism is Prussia

Essay text:

Absolutism in Prussia By Phillips and Peck 1st Slide Circumstances that lead to need for Absolutism -Prussia rose to power in the late 1600’s, began with just a few small holdings (few German states, Bradenburg and Prussia) -Frederick William then became the Great Elector; he was a member of the Hohenzollern noble family -The Great Elector realized after the great destruction that came from the Thirty Years Wars to states such as Germany, a strong army had to be the basis of an empire to secure it’s landholdings and people. 2nd Slide Securing an Absolute Monarchy Frederick William… -wanted to reach the power of the Hapsburgs and exceed it - formed an alliance with the landowning nobility the Junkers -eventually decreased the power of Junkers -to protect Prussia Fredrick William built a army of 80,000 men 3rd Slide Securing an Absolute Monarchy In order to make Prussia a more unified and powerful state, Frederick William… -improved the economy -abolished torture -improved the tax system -protected Prussian businesses -made land available for agriculture 4th Slide Relationship between Fredericks: Father and Son -The Great Elector felt his son was soft, and not “military” enough to rule over a growing empire -Prince Frederick loved music, poetry, philosophy, and all of the arts; usually not a sign of a good ruler - To try to teach Frederick a lesson, he made him watch his friend’s beheading when the both ran away, so he could fully observe the consequences of his actions and how a great ruler must make tough decisions...