| Friedrich der Große |
Here, refined Friedrich wrote poetry in French, composed music and played the flute. He also
revived the study of science and encouraged education. He wanted to be a philosopher-king and
described himself as "the first servant of the state." He wanted to emulate the type of leaders of
mankind Plato envisioned, and he despised despotism. He had come to power at a challenging time
and he had to deal with the "petticoat league" formed by Maria Theresa of Austria-Hungary,
Elizabeth of Russia and Madame Pompadour of France. He could not rely on military conflict alone,
but instead had to form a controlled yet strong approach using his charm and wit to survive, succeed
and prosper. To accomplish his goals, he also needed to be a shrewd military tactician.
revived the study of science and encouraged education. He wanted to be a philosopher-king and
described himself as "the first servant of the state." He wanted to emulate the type of leaders of
mankind Plato envisioned, and he despised despotism. He had come to power at a challenging time
and he had to deal with the "petticoat league" formed by Maria Theresa of Austria-Hungary,
Elizabeth of Russia and Madame Pompadour of France. He could not rely on military conflict alone,
but instead had to form a controlled yet strong approach using his charm and wit to survive, succeed
and prosper. To accomplish his goals, he also needed to be a shrewd military tactician.
Once his military struggles were over, Friedrich, by then known reverently as "Der Alte Fritz," settled
down to 23 years of uninterrupted rebuilding, land development, community improvement and civil
and legal reform to benefit his Kingdom and all of the people who inhabited it.
down to 23 years of uninterrupted rebuilding, land development, community improvement and civil
and legal reform to benefit his Kingdom and all of the people who inhabited it.
In the struggles of the mid 18th century, he weakened the already tenuous Holy Roman Empire. The
Austro-Prussian rivalry lasted for over a century until the final Prussian victory over Austria in 1866.
Friedrich was later vilified by those who saw him as having prevented the emergence of a united
Greater Germany sooner, including all of the major German speaking areas of Europe, but he had no
interest in what would later be called German nationalism. Friedrich's main responsibility was his own
Prussia, and he took it from a provincial backwater to a great European power and center of culture.
Austro-Prussian rivalry lasted for over a century until the final Prussian victory over Austria in 1866.
Friedrich was later vilified by those who saw him as having prevented the emergence of a united
Greater Germany sooner, including all of the major German speaking areas of Europe, but he had no
interest in what would later be called German nationalism. Friedrich's main responsibility was his own
Prussia, and he took it from a provincial backwater to a great European power and center of culture.
One of eight surviving children of Friedrich Wilhelm 1 and Sophea Dorothea
von Hannover, Friedrich the Great was born during a time of prosperity in the
last year of his grandfather’s reign, becoming Crown Prince at the age of one.
Friedrich the Great was brought up by French Huguenot governesses and
tutors, learning French and German at the same time. In addition to his native
language and French, he spoke English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, with
a knowledge of Latin, ancient and modern Greek, and Hebrew. Later in his
life, he learned Basque, Slavic and Chinese. Since childhood, he had a passion
for French literature and art, and he loved philosophy and music.
von Hannover, Friedrich the Great was born during a time of prosperity in the
last year of his grandfather’s reign, becoming Crown Prince at the age of one.
Friedrich the Great was brought up by French Huguenot governesses and
tutors, learning French and German at the same time. In addition to his native
language and French, he spoke English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, with
a knowledge of Latin, ancient and modern Greek, and Hebrew. Later in his
life, he learned Basque, Slavic and Chinese. Since childhood, he had a passion
for French literature and art, and he loved philosophy and music.
| Friedrich II, the Great 1712-1786; King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786 |
When Friedrich became King at age 28, his father bequeathed to him a strong economy with a cash surplus and
Europe's best-trained army, yet Prussia was underdeveloped in industry and trade. There was no navy, no raw materials
and no regions suitable for mining: there was, however, loyalty. Upon reviewing his troops for the first time as a King,
Friedrich said: "Meine Herren, troops must not only be pleasant to look at, they must be useful. It is the duty of every
soldier to be unafraid and brave. Meine Herren ( to the generals ) I know all your names, and I know of the complaints
against you for greed and cruelty. See to it that in time I will be able to forget them. Let me advise you as your friend and
warn you as your King." With his soldiers' love and respect, Friedrich led the Prussian forces during the war Austrian
Succession, the Seven Years War and the War of Bavarian Succession, not only as king, but also as a brilliant
commander in the field.
Europe's best-trained army, yet Prussia was underdeveloped in industry and trade. There was no navy, no raw materials
and no regions suitable for mining: there was, however, loyalty. Upon reviewing his troops for the first time as a King,
Friedrich said: "Meine Herren, troops must not only be pleasant to look at, they must be useful. It is the duty of every
soldier to be unafraid and brave. Meine Herren ( to the generals ) I know all your names, and I know of the complaints
against you for greed and cruelty. See to it that in time I will be able to forget them. Let me advise you as your friend and
warn you as your King." With his soldiers' love and respect, Friedrich led the Prussian forces during the war Austrian
Succession, the Seven Years War and the War of Bavarian Succession, not only as king, but also as a brilliant
commander in the field.
He visited every corner of his kingdom, and struggled to convince farmers to start planting potatoes
and turnips to avoid famines. In the beginning of 1747, while the building of the Finow canal which
would connect the two rivers of Berlin, Havel and Spree with the river Oder was underway, the
construction of the port of Swinemünde was begun, all to enhance trade and bring prosperity into the
new regions. He had canals dug for irrigation and encouraged people to settle in the sparsely
populated areas once devastated by plague and war around the Oder. In addition to receiving an
exemption from taxes and military service for several years, they received free wood to build houses,
animals and seeds for their land. By 1764, 21000 destroyed houses had been rebuilt and by 1769,
175 new villages were erected in Silesia, which had room for 75,000 people. The results of his labor
were striking. He had taken it from desolate wasteland to prosperity. Silesia went from having ten
coal mines in 1740 to fifty within four decades, and he gave military exemptions to miners.
and turnips to avoid famines. In the beginning of 1747, while the building of the Finow canal which
would connect the two rivers of Berlin, Havel and Spree with the river Oder was underway, the
construction of the port of Swinemünde was begun, all to enhance trade and bring prosperity into the
new regions. He had canals dug for irrigation and encouraged people to settle in the sparsely
populated areas once devastated by plague and war around the Oder. In addition to receiving an
exemption from taxes and military service for several years, they received free wood to build houses,
animals and seeds for their land. By 1764, 21000 destroyed houses had been rebuilt and by 1769,
175 new villages were erected in Silesia, which had room for 75,000 people. The results of his labor
were striking. He had taken it from desolate wasteland to prosperity. Silesia went from having ten
coal mines in 1740 to fifty within four decades, and he gave military exemptions to miners.
He forbade the import any goods which could be manufactured domestically and he instituted
protective tariffs. Berlin became the largest textile city in Germany by the end of his reign and was
culturally enhanced with an opera house, several theaters, St. Hedwig Cathedral and the Prince
Heinrich Palais as well as an enlarged "Unter den Linden" avenue and Tiergarten public park.
protective tariffs. Berlin became the largest textile city in Germany by the end of his reign and was
culturally enhanced with an opera house, several theaters, St. Hedwig Cathedral and the Prince
Heinrich Palais as well as an enlarged "Unter den Linden" avenue and Tiergarten public park.
Since 1572, a lawless, disorderly clique called the "Republic of Nobles" had existed in Poland, which
was at the time comprised of 40% non-Poles, including Germans, Ukrainians, White Russians and
Letts, and they had declared that the King had to be elected. When the throne of Poland became
vacant in 1764, Russian Empress Catherine II decided to have her friend Stanislas Poniatowski
crowned King of Poland. When the Polish Nobles opposed this move, Catherine sent Russian troops
into Poland. Turkey declared war on Russia at the same time. Friedrich was concerned about the
explosiveness of the situation as he had a treaty with Russia and he wanted to maintain a peaceful
coexistence. Queen Maria Theresa's son Emperor Joseph II, meanwhile, met with Friedrich. Eager
to avoid a huge conflagration and to maintain peace on their borders, Friedrich felt that all three
nations, Russia, Austria and Prussia should probably divide a weak and vulnerable Poland.
was at the time comprised of 40% non-Poles, including Germans, Ukrainians, White Russians and
Letts, and they had declared that the King had to be elected. When the throne of Poland became
vacant in 1764, Russian Empress Catherine II decided to have her friend Stanislas Poniatowski
crowned King of Poland. When the Polish Nobles opposed this move, Catherine sent Russian troops
into Poland. Turkey declared war on Russia at the same time. Friedrich was concerned about the
explosiveness of the situation as he had a treaty with Russia and he wanted to maintain a peaceful
coexistence. Queen Maria Theresa's son Emperor Joseph II, meanwhile, met with Friedrich. Eager
to avoid a huge conflagration and to maintain peace on their borders, Friedrich felt that all three
nations, Russia, Austria and Prussia should probably divide a weak and vulnerable Poland.
Friedrich wrote in his memoirs "My position was of a delicate nature. Through my alliance with
Russia I was obliged to furnish troops in case of a war with Austria. I either fulfilled my obligations,
or I remained a neutral bystander, which was to me the most dangerous position to take. An Alliance
between Russia and Austria could have led to total isolation of Prussia, which would have been a
mistake I was not willing to make." He further stated: "The hostilities between Turkey and Russia
changed the whole political system in Europe. I would have been very clumsy or very stupid not to
take advantage of the situation for my state. I was able to compensate Prussia for the terrible losses
of the war, and to unite Polish Prussia with my old provinces." This territory linked central Prussia
with Brandenburg. In the next six years, Prussia made speedy improvements to the underdeveloped
and sparsely populated area. In the next hundred years, German settlers founded new towns and
cities in these lands, and railroads, libraries, school, churches, farms and businesses were developed.
Russia I was obliged to furnish troops in case of a war with Austria. I either fulfilled my obligations,
or I remained a neutral bystander, which was to me the most dangerous position to take. An Alliance
between Russia and Austria could have led to total isolation of Prussia, which would have been a
mistake I was not willing to make." He further stated: "The hostilities between Turkey and Russia
changed the whole political system in Europe. I would have been very clumsy or very stupid not to
take advantage of the situation for my state. I was able to compensate Prussia for the terrible losses
of the war, and to unite Polish Prussia with my old provinces." This territory linked central Prussia
with Brandenburg. In the next six years, Prussia made speedy improvements to the underdeveloped
and sparsely populated area. In the next hundred years, German settlers founded new towns and
cities in these lands, and railroads, libraries, school, churches, farms and businesses were developed.
He did not believe in the Divine Right of Kings and often wore old military uniforms; he once said
that the crown was only "a hat that let the rain in". Friedrich disassociated Prussia from what he
considered the corrupt judicial systems of the Greater German Reich. He reorganized a system of
indirect taxes which provided the state with greater revenue and completely revised the civil service
code. Prussia became the first country in continental Europe to abolish torture, give people total
equality and fairness under the law and enjoy complete religious tolerance. In fact, at a time when
much of Europe still remembered the Ottoman invasions, he said, "All religions are equal and good
and as long as those practicing are an honest people and wish to populate our land, may they be
Turks or Pagans, we will build them mosques and churches." He gave Prussia the reputation of
having the finest administration and legal system in Europe.
that the crown was only "a hat that let the rain in". Friedrich disassociated Prussia from what he
considered the corrupt judicial systems of the Greater German Reich. He reorganized a system of
indirect taxes which provided the state with greater revenue and completely revised the civil service
code. Prussia became the first country in continental Europe to abolish torture, give people total
equality and fairness under the law and enjoy complete religious tolerance. In fact, at a time when
much of Europe still remembered the Ottoman invasions, he said, "All religions are equal and good
and as long as those practicing are an honest people and wish to populate our land, may they be
Turks or Pagans, we will build them mosques and churches." He gave Prussia the reputation of
having the finest administration and legal system in Europe.
| Poland |
On August 5, 1772 the three powers signed an agreement which allotted certain regions of Poland to
the three nations. Poland at the time was very large, reaching from Posen to Kiev and from Riga to
Czernowitz. In all, it lost about five million people, of which the largest share went to Austria and the
smallest to Prussia. Friedrich received West Prussia, the old Germanic realm of the Teutonic
Knights, without the cities of Danzig and Thorun which were to remain as free cities.
the three nations. Poland at the time was very large, reaching from Posen to Kiev and from Riga to
Czernowitz. In all, it lost about five million people, of which the largest share went to Austria and the
smallest to Prussia. Friedrich received West Prussia, the old Germanic realm of the Teutonic
Knights, without the cities of Danzig and Thorun which were to remain as free cities.
When Friedrich took the throne, historically tolerant Prussia had 2,400,000 people, 600,000 of them
exiles and or their descendants. In his reign, he introduced another 300,000 more. By 1786, one third
of Prussia's population was of foreign (non Prussian) birth or foreign descent.
exiles and or their descendants. In his reign, he introduced another 300,000 more. By 1786, one third
of Prussia's population was of foreign (non Prussian) birth or foreign descent.
Friedrich was a gifted musician and played the cross-flute, composing one hundred sonatas for the
flute as well as four symphonies, and he was a brilliant soldier and strategist who was respected
world-wide for generations. At a young age, he was urged into marrying Elisabeth Christine von
Braunschweig-Bevern in 1733. His father gave him the Schloss Rheinsburg north of Berlin, and here,
for the first time, Friedrich assembled a small number of musicians, actors and other artists and spent
his time here in leisurely pursuit of the fine arts. He and Elizabeth may have had a barren, and by all
reports boring marriage, but this time was regarded by Friedrich as one of the happiest in his life.
flute as well as four symphonies, and he was a brilliant soldier and strategist who was respected
world-wide for generations. At a young age, he was urged into marrying Elisabeth Christine von
Braunschweig-Bevern in 1733. His father gave him the Schloss Rheinsburg north of Berlin, and here,
for the first time, Friedrich assembled a small number of musicians, actors and other artists and spent
his time here in leisurely pursuit of the fine arts. He and Elizabeth may have had a barren, and by all
reports boring marriage, but this time was regarded by Friedrich as one of the happiest in his life.
The cathedral of St. Hedwig, seen in the background of the picture at
the left, was built by Friedrich the Great. Friedrich's Polish friend Ignacy
Krasicki, (poet as well as Bishop of Warmia and later Archbishop of
Gniezno), officiated at the cathedral's opening in 1773. The church was
named after the patron saint of Silesia and Brandenburg, St. Hedwig of
Andechs, and commemorated the arrival of Catholic Silesians
immigrating to Protestant Brandenburg and Berlin. Friedrich actually
had several Polish friends (as his father once did) but he had especially
warm feelings for Krasicki and looked to him for advise and council.
the left, was built by Friedrich the Great. Friedrich's Polish friend Ignacy
Krasicki, (poet as well as Bishop of Warmia and later Archbishop of
Gniezno), officiated at the cathedral's opening in 1773. The church was
named after the patron saint of Silesia and Brandenburg, St. Hedwig of
Andechs, and commemorated the arrival of Catholic Silesians
immigrating to Protestant Brandenburg and Berlin. Friedrich actually
had several Polish friends (as his father once did) but he had especially
warm feelings for Krasicki and looked to him for advise and council.
Krasicki wrote the 'Monachomachia' to amuse the king of Prussia. Their friendship at times created a difficult political
situation for both the King and the poet-bishop. Shortly after Krasicki officiated at the opening of St. Hedwig's Cathedral,
he received a position with the Berlin Academy of the Arts, and his residences became centers of culture and art. Krasicki
was mutually honored by the King of Poland with the Order of the White Eagle and by the King of Prussia with the Order
of the Red Eagle. He died in Berlin and was eulogized in St. Hedwig's Cathedral.
situation for both the King and the poet-bishop. Shortly after Krasicki officiated at the opening of St. Hedwig's Cathedral,
he received a position with the Berlin Academy of the Arts, and his residences became centers of culture and art. Krasicki
was mutually honored by the King of Poland with the Order of the White Eagle and by the King of Prussia with the Order
of the Red Eagle. He died in Berlin and was eulogized in St. Hedwig's Cathedral.
Friedrich took his responsibilities seriously in regard to the Polish people. He not only spoke Polish himself, he also
advised his successors to learn Polish, a policy followed by his successors. After he introduced the Prussian school
system, which was regarded as the most modern in the world at the time, into the newly acquired lands, he had 750
schools built there between 1772 and 1775. He insisted that both Protestant and Roman Catholic teachers be hired to
teach in "West Prussia", and that preferably both they and school administrators be able to speak both German and Polish.
advised his successors to learn Polish, a policy followed by his successors. After he introduced the Prussian school
system, which was regarded as the most modern in the world at the time, into the newly acquired lands, he had 750
schools built there between 1772 and 1775. He insisted that both Protestant and Roman Catholic teachers be hired to
teach in "West Prussia", and that preferably both they and school administrators be able to speak both German and Polish.
In 1747, 62 years old Johann Sebastion Bach visited the Prussian court of 35 year old Friedrich. Bach had to
travel twenty hours from Leipzig to attend at the Royal Palace in Potsdam. When Bach arrived, Friedrich was
about to begin his regular evening concert in which he played the flute. Upon hearing of Bach's arrival, he laid
down his flute and said, 'Gentlemen, old Bach is here' and invited Bach directly in to try his newest Gottfried
Silbermann fortepiano, one of seven which were located in different rooms. During the visit, the King played a
short tune intended for Bach to improvise. On his return to Leipzig, Bach developed the theme and entitled it 'A
Musical Offering' which he sent to the Court with a thank you and a dedication. Bach's son, Carl Philipp Emanuel
Bach, was Friedrich's harpsichordist during his last years as Crown Prince and he remained with him for nearly
thirty years in the stimulating environment of Berlin and Potsdam, where he composed more than 300 works.
travel twenty hours from Leipzig to attend at the Royal Palace in Potsdam. When Bach arrived, Friedrich was
about to begin his regular evening concert in which he played the flute. Upon hearing of Bach's arrival, he laid
down his flute and said, 'Gentlemen, old Bach is here' and invited Bach directly in to try his newest Gottfried
Silbermann fortepiano, one of seven which were located in different rooms. During the visit, the King played a
short tune intended for Bach to improvise. On his return to Leipzig, Bach developed the theme and entitled it 'A
Musical Offering' which he sent to the Court with a thank you and a dedication. Bach's son, Carl Philipp Emanuel
Bach, was Friedrich's harpsichordist during his last years as Crown Prince and he remained with him for nearly
thirty years in the stimulating environment of Berlin and Potsdam, where he composed more than 300 works.
Elizabeth of Russia realized that Prussia was the biggest obstacle to Russia’s domination of eastern
Europe and she hatched a plan with Austria to destroy Prussia. In 1757, Austria and Russia were
joined by France after Friedrich had launched a preemptive invasion of Saxony in August 1756.
Sweden and most of the other German states soon followed suit. Prussia had only the support of
England, Hanover, Hesse-Cassel and Brunswick. All the same, on August 29, 1756, Friedrich the
Great led 70,000 Prussian soldiers from his small Prussian monarchy of 3 million against France,
Austria-Hungary, Russia, Sweden and Saxony with their combined force of 43 million people and yet
he marched into Saxony, launching the Seven Years War.
Europe and she hatched a plan with Austria to destroy Prussia. In 1757, Austria and Russia were
joined by France after Friedrich had launched a preemptive invasion of Saxony in August 1756.
Sweden and most of the other German states soon followed suit. Prussia had only the support of
England, Hanover, Hesse-Cassel and Brunswick. All the same, on August 29, 1756, Friedrich the
Great led 70,000 Prussian soldiers from his small Prussian monarchy of 3 million against France,
Austria-Hungary, Russia, Sweden and Saxony with their combined force of 43 million people and yet
he marched into Saxony, launching the Seven Years War.
Although young, cultured Friedrich established a court orchestra and provided Berlin with an opera
house, he also jumped to attention when Emperor Karl VI of Austria died on October 20, 1740. Less
than two months later, Friedrich II astonished Europe by marching a Prussian army into the rich
Habsburg province of Silesia. When the Prussian army crossed the border into Silesia, the peasants
armed themselves with scythes and hoes and joined the Prussians in their fight against Austria. To
them, they were liberators. The new Habsburg ruler, 23 year old Maria Theresa was strong, but her
Habsburg armies proved no match for the Prussians. After Friedrich's first victory over the Austrians
in April of 1741, he convinced the French and Bavarians to join him against Maria Therese. A series
of three later victories in 1745 won him the title of the Great. By the treaty of Dresden in 1745,
Maria Theresa unhappily ceded the greater part of Silesia to Prussia, adding fifty percent more
people to Prussia's population. However, Friedrich was still being underestimated.
house, he also jumped to attention when Emperor Karl VI of Austria died on October 20, 1740. Less
than two months later, Friedrich II astonished Europe by marching a Prussian army into the rich
Habsburg province of Silesia. When the Prussian army crossed the border into Silesia, the peasants
armed themselves with scythes and hoes and joined the Prussians in their fight against Austria. To
them, they were liberators. The new Habsburg ruler, 23 year old Maria Theresa was strong, but her
Habsburg armies proved no match for the Prussians. After Friedrich's first victory over the Austrians
in April of 1741, he convinced the French and Bavarians to join him against Maria Therese. A series
of three later victories in 1745 won him the title of the Great. By the treaty of Dresden in 1745,
Maria Theresa unhappily ceded the greater part of Silesia to Prussia, adding fifty percent more
people to Prussia's population. However, Friedrich was still being underestimated.
He was later admired by Napoleon and others as the greatest tactical genius in history. Friedrich felt that success for the
Prussian military depended upon strict discipline, impressive and inspiring uniforms, and even good music. He increased
his soldiers' pay, provided medical care and better, improved housing, but would order strict reprisals for looting and
plundering in foreign lands by his soldiers. He avoided large, vague battles of destruction and concentrated on short,
decisive engagements which left the opponent awe struck and willing to surrender quickly. He expressed disgust at the
injury of non-combatants.
Prussian military depended upon strict discipline, impressive and inspiring uniforms, and even good music. He increased
his soldiers' pay, provided medical care and better, improved housing, but would order strict reprisals for looting and
plundering in foreign lands by his soldiers. He avoided large, vague battles of destruction and concentrated on short,
decisive engagements which left the opponent awe struck and willing to surrender quickly. He expressed disgust at the
injury of non-combatants.
During the course of the war, a string of victories at Leuthen, Rossbach, and Zorndorf blocked the
Allied advance into Brandenburg, but the Russians captured East Prussia. Meanwhile, England was
being trounced by the French. However, luckily for Friedrich, Elizabeth of Russia died in 1762 and
Peter III, an admirer of Friedrich, took her place and immediately ceased hostilities with Prussia and
restored the territories that the Russians had captured. The Swedes backed off as well, and Friedrich
could now concentrate his efforts on Austria. He finally drove them out of Silesia.
Allied advance into Brandenburg, but the Russians captured East Prussia. Meanwhile, England was
being trounced by the French. However, luckily for Friedrich, Elizabeth of Russia died in 1762 and
Peter III, an admirer of Friedrich, took her place and immediately ceased hostilities with Prussia and
restored the territories that the Russians had captured. The Swedes backed off as well, and Friedrich
could now concentrate his efforts on Austria. He finally drove them out of Silesia.
As a child, he was given his own regiment, the 'Crown Prince Cadets', made up of 131 little boys
whom he could command and frolic with as he liked. At fourteen, Friedrich was made a major of the
giant Potsdam Grenadiers, and on the parade ground he commanded the giant soldiers.
whom he could command and frolic with as he liked. At fourteen, Friedrich was made a major of the
giant Potsdam Grenadiers, and on the parade ground he commanded the giant soldiers.
He allowed freedom of speech and print. When a foreign dignitary commented on a political cartoon
which ridiculed Friedrich's liking for coffee and asked why the King allowed such nonsense, Friedrich
quipped, “They can say whatever they want, as long as I can do whatever I want.”
which ridiculed Friedrich's liking for coffee and asked why the King allowed such nonsense, Friedrich
quipped, “They can say whatever they want, as long as I can do whatever I want.”
Unlike some representations of him, he was a man's man in all senses. He rode and fought with his troops. He endured the
dirt, heat, cold, sweat and blood of battle, and was one of the guys on the battlefield where in dull moments he enjoyed
being lightened up by the latest barracks jokes while he spun a few yarns himself. At the 1757 Battle of Kolin, in one of
the last horrific attacks against the Austrian line, Friedrich directly cried out to his men to work harder: “Bastards! Do you
want to live forever?” A musketeer reportedly replied, “Fritz, we’ve earned our 50 cents for today!”
dirt, heat, cold, sweat and blood of battle, and was one of the guys on the battlefield where in dull moments he enjoyed
being lightened up by the latest barracks jokes while he spun a few yarns himself. At the 1757 Battle of Kolin, in one of
the last horrific attacks against the Austrian line, Friedrich directly cried out to his men to work harder: “Bastards! Do you
want to live forever?” A musketeer reportedly replied, “Fritz, we’ve earned our 50 cents for today!”
He had no less than six horses shot from under him during battle. More importantly, he is often admired as one of the
greatest tactical geniuses of all time, especially for his usage of the oblique order of battle. He was as not foppish,
effeminate or silly as some modern historians like to portray him. After all, the Prussians made Spartan simplicity a virtue,
causing one defeated French officer to whine to his Prussian captors, “Sirs, you are an army. We are a traveling
whorehouse” (with) “valets, servants, cooks, hairdressers, courtesans, priests and actors, dressing gowns, hairnets,
sunshades, nightgowns and parrots.”
greatest tactical geniuses of all time, especially for his usage of the oblique order of battle. He was as not foppish,
effeminate or silly as some modern historians like to portray him. After all, the Prussians made Spartan simplicity a virtue,
causing one defeated French officer to whine to his Prussian captors, “Sirs, you are an army. We are a traveling
whorehouse” (with) “valets, servants, cooks, hairdressers, courtesans, priests and actors, dressing gowns, hairnets,
sunshades, nightgowns and parrots.”