Frederick William I of Prussia

Frederick William I
Portrait by Antoine Pesne, c. 1733
King in Prussia
Elector of Brandenburg
Reign25 February 1713 – 31 May 1740
PredecessorFrederick I
SuccessorFrederick II
Born(1688-08-14)14 August 1688
Berlin, Brandenburg-Prussia
Died31 May 1740(1740-05-31) (aged 51)
Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia
Burial
Spouse
(m. 1706)
Issue
more...
HouseHohenzollern
FatherFrederick I
MotherSophia Charlotte of Hanover
ReligionCalvinist
SignatureFrederick William I's signature

Frederick William I (German: Friedrich Wilhelm I.; 14 August 1688 – 31 May 1740), known as the Soldier King (German: Soldatenkönig[1]), was King in Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg from 1713 till his death in 1740, as well as Prince of Neuchâtel.

Born in Berlin, he was raised by the Huguenot governess Marthe de Roucoulle. His political awakening occurred during the Great Northern War's plague outbreak in Prussia, leading to his challenge against corruption and inefficiency in government. He initiated reforms, especially in the military, growing the Prussian Army significantly. A believer in absolute monarchy, he focused on state development and financial reorganization, imposing taxes and stringent regulations on public servants. He made efforts to reduce crime and centralized his authority during his 27 years reign, cementing Prussia as a regional power.

Despite his effective rule, he had a harsh nature, exacerbated by his health issues. He engaged in colonial affairs, but prioritized military expansion over colonial investments. His notable decisions included selling Prussian overseas colonies and the foundation of the Canton system, as well as the conquest of the port of Stettin.

His death in 1740 marked the end of a reign characterized by military and administrative reform. He was succeeded by his son, Frederick the Great.

  1. ^ Taylor, Ronald (1997). Berlin and Its Culture: A Historical Portrait. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press. p. 51.