The Significant impact of the 18th Century on Prussia

The 1700’s were a significant time for Prussia. During this era Prussia was able to create its infamous army. It was Frederick William I who bestowed upon Prussia an army with military and bureaucratic characteristics. In addition, Frederick William I was able to increase the number of men in the army to 80,000. This was almost 4 percent of the population! Half of his army consisted of foreigners, and the other half was made up of his very own young peasant subjects. When he died he left his son, Frederick II the best trained army in Europe. They were well trained and ready to fight. After having only ruled for seven months Frederick II invaded Silesia, thus beginning Prussia’s participation in the War of Austrian Succession and in the struggle for Silesia. Fighting such a flourished province such as Silesia in these wars gave Prussia great recognition as one of the Great Powers.