Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg Autograph

Profession:
(1620-1688) Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia, thus ruler of Brandenburg-Prussia, from 1640 until his death in 1688. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he is popularly known as "the Great Elector" (der Große Kurfürst) because of his military and political achievements.

Year of Birth: 1620

Frederick William was the King of Prussia from 1740 until his death in 1786. He was instrumental in creating the Prussian state and in expanding its army and bureaucracy. He was known for his military prowess, his successful and aggressive foreign policy, and his patronage of the arts and sciences. He was also known for his authoritarian rule and his oppressive policies toward the lower classes and religious minorities.

Frederick William was born in Berlin in 1712 as the son of the Elector of Brandenburg and the Margravine of Bayreuth. He was educated by tutors and in 1730 was officially declared the Crown Prince of Prussia. After his father's death in 1740, he became the King of Prussia. He was a strong and ambitious ruler who sought to expand the Prussian state and consolidate his power.

Frederick William was a successful military leader who sought to expand Prussia's power and influence. He fought in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War, and was victorious in both. He also successfully annexed the regions of Silesia, Pomerania, and Posen. He expanded the Prussian army and bureaucracy and was a patron of the arts and sciences, which earned him the nickname "the Great Elector".

Frederick William was an authoritarian ruler who repressed the lower classes and religious minorities. He imposed heavy taxes on the peasantry and restricted their freedom of movement. He also persecuted religious minorities and persecuted those who refused to convert to Lutheranism. In spite of these policies, he was respected for his military prowess and for his contribution to the expansion of the Prussian state.

Frederick William died in 1786 after a long and successful reign. He was succeeded by his son, Frederick the Great, who continued his father's policies of expansion and consolidation. Frederick William's legacy is one of military success and a strong state. He was an important figure in the history of Prussia and Germany and his legacy still resonates today.

Frederick William was an influential ruler who sought to expand the Prussian state and its influence. He was a successful military leader and a patron of the arts and sciences. He was an authoritarian ruler who imposed heavy taxes and repressed the lower classes and religious minorities. Nevertheless, he is remembered for his military successes, his patronage of the arts and sciences, and his contribution to the expansion of the Prussian state.