Frederick II

Frederick II was born into the House of Hohenzollern on January 24, 1712 in Berlin, Germany. His parents were Frederick William I and Princess Sophia Dorothea (sister of George II of Great Britain). While Frederick II’s father was short tempered, his mother was calm and enjoyed living in luxury. By having opposite parents, Frederick II was taught differently by his two parents. His mother hired a tutor that taught him about French culture and Greek and Roman classics, whereas his father taught him everything he needed to know about how to run and defend a state. Because Frederick William I was an abusive father, Frederick II tried to run away at the age of 18 years old, with his friend, Hans Hermon von Katte. The two friends both were captured and got arrested for treason. Frederick II’s father decapitated Hans Hermon von Katte and made Frederick II watch the execution of his friend. In 1733, Frederick II had an arranged marriage set up by his father. He was to be married to Elizabeth Christine of Brunswick Bevern. After marrying, he quickly separated from his new wife and never showed interest in women again in his lifetime. In 1749, Frederick William I passed away leaving his throne to his son. Although Frederick II had a tough relationship with his father, Frederick William I left the world leaving a strong army and a lot of money. Starting at 1749, Frederick II started to become also known as Frederick the Great. Throughout the years, Frederick the Great had spread territories in Prussia. With his manipulative mind, Frederick the Great cheated in his way to get more land. An example of this act was in 1745, when he told Queen Maria Theresa to protect him from France and Russia. When he was well protected, he let some of his soldiers in the area where the queen controlled (Silesia), and soon invaded the area to have it under his power. Frederick the Great did not have many foreign allies. The one powerful ally he did have was Great Britain, being controlled by