absolutism-Prussia

Frederick II ruled the Kingdom of Prussia from 1740 until 1786, the longest reign of any Hohenzollern king, at 46 years.

Frederick invades the Austrian territory of Silesia without provocation, thus beginning the First Silesian War, which is caught up in the larger War of Austrian Succession. His goal is to expand and unify a Prussian empire.

Frederick makes peace with Silesia and becomes the ruler of nearly the entire region. Between 1744 and 1745 Austria attempts to retake Silesia from Prussia, but in the Treaty of Dresden, Frederick forces Austrian ruler Maria Theresa to adhere to previous boundaries.

His most significant accomplishments during his reign included his military victories, his reorganization of Prussian armies, his patronage of the arts and the Enlightenment and his final success against great odds in the Seven Years' War.

Hoping to preempt a conspiracy between Prussia's neighboring countries, Frederick invades Saxony, allied with Austria, and begins the Seven Years' War, along with his ally, Great Britain. Despite several victories, the war soon turns into a stalemate for Prussia.

Russia withdraws from the Seven Years' War when pro-Prussia Peter III ascends the throne and seeks a title from Frederick II, who happily obliges. Russia's favorable reversal convinces Sweden to make peace with Prussia as well, and the war quickly comes to a close, to Frederick's relief. He terms this event the "Miracle of the House of Brandenburg."

The Seven Years' War formally ends, leaving Prussia without any new territory. Nevertheless, Frederick is allowed to keep Silesia and his country becomes known as one of the most powerful in Europe.

Frederick signs a treaty along with Russia and Austria that partitions Poland and removes 1/3 of its land area. The three countries divide up the winnings; Prussia gains a number of economically valuable provinces.

Frederick forms the Fürstenbund, an alliance of Protestant princes in the Holy Roman Empire. It is meant to protect the empire and prevent Joseph II from adding Bavaria to the Habsburg empire. This alliance marks the first organization of German states under Prussia, which later will unify Germany.

Frederick dies in Potsdam, leaving a legacy of ruling as an "enlightened despot."