Frederick the Great was the Hohenzollern King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786 and is regarded as one of the "enlightened despots" of 18th century Europe. He was highly educated and built his government as a model of efficiency, creating the first modern bureaucracy. Frederick was also an excellent military commander and tactician under whose leadership Prussia became a recognized power in Europe. Because of his accomplishments he became known as Frederick the Great (Friedrich der Große). He was nicknamed der alte Fritz ("Old Fritz").

Frederick was a proponent of enlightened absolutism. He modernized the Prussian bureaucracy and civil service and pursued religious policies throughout his realm that ranged from tolerance to oppression. He reformed the judicial system and made it possible for men not of noble stock to become judges and senior bureaucrats. Some critics however point out his oppressive measures against conquered Polish subjects. Frederick supported arts and philosophers he favored, but at the same enacted several laws censoring the press. Frederick is buried at his favorite residence, Sanssouci in Potsdam. Because he died childless, Frederick was succeeded by his nephew, Frederick William II, son of his brother, Augustus William.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... _the_Great View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Freemasons • Royalty • Soldiers • Statesmen • Aquarius • Berlin • Germany • Government • Hohenzollern • Industrial Revolution • January 24 • Prussia • Rulers • Icons • People