Fredrick the Great

  • date of birth

  • caught trying to escape Prussia

    Frederick and his friend, Hans Herman von Katte, were caught trying to escape Prussia to go to England. Frederick was mostly trying to escape his miserable home life. He was forced to watch his friend's beheading.
  • Forced to study political administration

    father wanted to prepare him for his future in leadership
  • Allowed back to Berlin for sister's wedding

    after being punished for running away, he was allowed back for his sister, Wilhelmina, whom he had always had a good bond with
  • gets married to Elisabeth Christine

    of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern. Arranged by his father purely for an alliance
  • Joined the Freemasons

    Joined the Freemasons
  • began ruling Prussia

  • start of first Silecian War

    start of first Silecian War
  • Meeting with Bach

    Meeting with Bach
    led to Bach's creation of "The Musical Offering."
  • opening of sanssouci

    opening of sanssouci
    where he spent much free time. name meant "without worries," or "carefree."
  • Beginning of 7 years' war

    Beginning of 7 years' war
    lasted until 1763
  • Partition of Poland

    Frederick the Great had always despised Poland even from a young age.
  • ended reign of Prussia

  • date of death