Frederick William

Introduction
Early years of reconstruction.
Attempts to establish balance of power.
Later policies.
Legacy

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Frederick William summary

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How did Calvinist beliefs shape Frederick William’s view of a ruler’s duties?
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Frederick William

elector of Brandenburg

Also known as: The Great Elector

Written by

Stephan Skalweit

Emeritus Professor of Modern History, Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn. Author of Frankreich und Friedrich der Grosse and others.

Stephan Skalweit

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

History

Frederick William (born Feb. 16, 1620, Cölln, near Berlin—died May 9, 1688, Potsdam, near Berlin) was the elector of Brandenburg (1640–88), who restored the Hohenzollern dominions after the devastations of the Thirty Years’ War—centralizing the political administration, reorganizing the state finances, rebuilding towns and cities, developing a strong army, and acquiring clear sovereignty over ducal Prussia. All these measures contributed to the foundation of the future Prussian monarchy. Frederick William was the eldest son of...

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