Family Theme

One of my themes was the Family Themes. Here are some notes and information in reguards to my family heritage.

History of Prussia
The history of Prussia is very intertwined with the history of my German ancestors.
 * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Acprussiamap2.gif Map of Growth of Prussia 1600-1795
 * Prussian maps

Leaders of Prussia
Frederick William, Elector of Brandenberg (1640-1688) Frederick I, Elector of Brandenberg and Duke of Prussia (1688-1701) King of Prussia (1701-1713) Frederick William I, King of Prussia (1713-1740) Frederick II (1740-1772) Frederick William II (1786-1797) Frederick William III (1797-1840) Frederick William IV (1840-1861) William I, King of Prussia (1861-1888), German Emperor (1871-1888)

Frederick William, Elector of Brandenberg (1640-1688)
 * Made the reforms that paved the way to Prussia becoming a kingdom
 * Staunch pillar of Calvinism
 * Raised an army of 40,000 soldiers
 * Advocate of mercatilism, monopolies, subsidies, tariffs, and internal improvement
 * encouraged skilled Huegonots to emigrate
 * exempted nobility from taxes, they dissolved the Estates-General
 * created canals to ease transportation

Frederick I, Elector of Brandenberg and Duke of Prussia (1688-1701) King of Prussia (1701-1713)
 * Convinced Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor, to call him a King, since Prussia was never part of the HRE and it would be okay for the Elector of Brandenberg to also be the king of Prussia
 * Got title in exchange for support against France in War of Spanish Succession
 * Called “King IN Prussia”
 * Patron of the arts

Frederick William I, King of Prussia (1713-1740) Increased efficiency of military
 * Known as the “Soldier King”
 * Gave Prussia an international reputation on par with France and Great Britain
 * Established primary schools
 * Replaced mandatory military service in middle classes
 * Lived frugally and tirelessly for the well being of his people
 * Loved the military, but was a peacefull man and didn't engage it often
 * Intevened briefly in the Great Northern War but gained little territory

Frederick II (1740-1772) Frederick William II (1786-1797) Frederick William III (1797-1840) Frederick William IV (1840-1861) William I, King of Prussia (1861-1888), German Emperor (1871-1888)