How did Frederick the Great promote religious tolerance in Prussia?
Frederick the Great promoted religious tolerance in Prussia as a genuine expression of his enlightened rule. His approach was driven by both his own skeptical indifference toward religious dogma and a pragmatic desire to unify his diverse subjects for the benefit of the state.123
By fostering an environment of freedom of conscience, Frederick aimed to provide greater scope for the large Roman Catholic minority within his borders, balancing their needs against those of the Protestant majority and the established Evangelical church. This policy of tolerance was widely recognized by his contemporaries as a hallmark of his enlightened despotism, helping to establish his reputation as a "philosopher king" who prioritized the interests of the state over sectarian divisions.32