220px antoine pesne frederick the great as crown prince wga17377

Frederick the Great

By mariannezhou
  • Birth

    Birth

    Frederick II was born on January 24, 1712, in present-day Berlin, Germany, to Frederick William I of Prussia and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover.

  • Released from prison

    Frederick escaped to England with a friend, Katte. They were captured in Küstrin. Instead of punishing Frederick, Katte was beheaded in front of him.
  • Marriage to Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern

    Marriage to Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern

    On June 12, 1733, Frederick II married Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern despite having little in common with her, as their marriage was a political marriage.

  • Death of Father

    Frederick William I passed away May 31, 1740, passing the throne to 28-year-old Frederick II.

  • Frederick ascends throne to Prussia

    Frederick I took the throne of Prussia in 1740 after his father's death.
  • Period: to

    First Silesian War

    Prussia's war against Austria. Frederick II invaded Habsburg Silesia, inherited by Maria Theresa
  • Battle of Mollwitz

    Battle of Mollwitz

    This was Frederick's first victory in battle, but had no effect on him as a leader.
  • Period: to

    Second Silesian War

    Frederick II continues to fight Maria Theresa to gain control of Austria.
  • Period: to

    Seven Years' War

    The Third Silesian War was a theater of the Seven Years' War. This begins when Frederick the II of Prussia invades Saxony.
  • Treaty of Amity and Commerce

    Treaty of Amity and Commerce

    Frederick II signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce to recognize the United States as an independent nation, and established an economic alliance.
  • Death

    Death

    Frederick died in his armchair in his study at age 74