Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia
Frederick William I of Prussia (in German: Friedrich Wilhelm I), of the House of Hohenzollern (August 14, 1688 - May 31, 1740), often known as 'the Soldier-King', reigned as King of Prussia (1713 - 1740).His father, Frederick I of Prussia, had successfully acquired the title King for the margraves of Brandenburg. Frederick William concentrated on building up the military power of Prussia.
During his reign, Frederick William I did much to centralize and improve Prussia. He replaced manditory military service among the middle class with an annual tax, established primary schools, and resettled East Prussia (which had been devastated by the plague in 1709).
He acquired a reputation for his fondness for military display - leading to his special efforts to hire the tallest men he could find in all of Europe for a special regiment nicknamed Potsdam Giants.
Friedrich Wilhelm I. and Dorothea had eight surviving children:
- Wilhelmine of Bayreuth (1709 - 1758)
- Friedrich II of Prussia (1712-1786)
- Friederike Luise (1714-1784)
- Philippine Charlotte (1716-1801)
- Sophie Dorothee Marie (1719-1765)
- Luise Ulrike of Sweden (1720-1782)
- August Wilhelm Prinz von PreuÃÂen (1722-1758)
- Anna Amalia (1723-1787)
- Prinz Heinrich (1726-1802)
- August Ferdinand (1730-1813)
| Preceded by: Friedrich I | King of Prussia | Succeeded by: Friedrich II |