Frederick II of Prussia

Frederick II of Prussia (January 24, 1712–August 17, 1786) was a king of Prussia from the Hohenzollern dynasty, reigning from 1740 to 1786. He was one of the so-called "enlightened monarchs" (also refered to as "enlightened despots"). Because of his accomplishments he became known as Frederick the Great (German Friedrich der Große).

Chronology

The following chronology of events took place during his life:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• 1740 May 31: Death of King Frederick William
• 1740 October 20: Death of the Emperor Karl VI.; The War of the Austrian Succession begins
• 1741 April 10: Battle of Mollwitz
• 1742 June 11 and July 28: Separate peace treaties with Austria; Silesia becomes part of Prussia
• 1744 August 10: War breaks out again with Austria
• 1745 December 25: Peace. Prussia and Frederick have won all 5 battles against Austria in the two Silesian Wars
• 1748 Austrian war ends.
• 1756-1763 Seven Years' War. Frederick is confronted with a Austrian-French-Russian-Saxon alliance. Afraid of being attacked by a resentful Austria, he decides to take the initiative. Initial successes against Saxony and Austria in 1756-1757 are not severe enough to reach a conclusive decision. The Prussians have to retreat from Bohemia. For the rest of the war, Friedrick is busy trying to defend the triangle of Berlin - Silesia - Saxony. In the west Prussia is sheltered by Britain-Hanover from France. Defence in Northern and Eastern Prussia is only sporadic.
• 1757 June 6: First defeat of Frederick in the Battle of Kolin
• 1757: Frederick wins his greatest victory at the Battle of Leuthen against Prince Charles of Lorraine
• 1758 August 25: Victory against superior russian troops at the Battle of Zorndorf.
• 1759 August 12: Disastrous defeat of Frederick and his army in the Battle of Kunersdorf
• 1762 Armistice and peace with Russia; Austria financially ruined
• 1763 Prussia neither gains nor loses territories
• After the war Frederick begins immediately to rebuild his country.
• 1778 After the death of the Bavarian Kurfürst (elector) Austria tries to annex Bavaria. Frederick (aged 66) invades Bohemia. Austria has to give in.
• 1786 August 17 Frederick II dies.