Childhood and youth

Frederick’s youth passed in difficult conditions: his father, the “king-sergeant-major,” lived in the army  the young man grew up a fan of the fine arts, dance, French philosophy, and music. .

Moreover, unable to withstand his father’s despotism, in 1730 the prince tried to flee to England. The enraged king ordered Frederick to be arrested, and his friend and associate, Lieutenant Katte, to be hanged in front of the windows of the room. The punishment did not end with this tragedy: the prince was forcibly married to his unloved woman and sent to serve in a distant garrison.

Frederic plays the flute

In his free time, the king wrote historical works, read a lot, speaking nine modern and ancient languages, including ancient Greek and Hebrew, corresponded with Voltaire, collected paintings, composed music and was known as a very enlightened monarch. He was called the philosopher king. In 1755, Frederick opened the first public library in Berlin.

Europe at the time of Frederick's death in 1786. Prussia's territory has been greatly extended by his Silesian war, 

He inherited a strong army from his father, which allowed Frederick to take an active part in the struggle for the Austrian inheritance. The victories won brought Frederick the glory of the greatest commander in Europe and the nickname of the Great.

The seven-year war with Russia and the victories of Russian weapons threatened the very existence of the Prussian. In Koenigsberg, which became a Russian province, 

Peter the Third

fuchsia marks acquired territories under Frederick the Great

But the death of Empress Elizabeth and the accession of Peter III to the throne saved the king. Peter III idolized Frederick and signed a peace treaty without any indemnities, returning all the lands to the Prussian king. For some time Frederick II could not believe it.