Prussia and the Seven Years War in Europe

Our perception of Prussia at the height of its powers may colour our view of perhaps its most significant leader, Frederick. Indeed that he is always known as 'the great’ may also mislead the casual observer into believing that here was a mighty and archetypal conqueror warrior hammered into being on some mythical Teutonic anvil. In reality nothing could be farther from the truth. He had a brutal upbringing that sought to suppress-vainly as it turned out-every cultural sensitivity which came naturally to him. His father all but despised him and it was not until late in his life that he recognised Frederick’s potential. Prussia itself was something of an underdog in the 18th century. It sat uneasily close to the great Austrian empire of the Hapsburgs and was ever in danger-by virtue of its place on the European continent-of being swallowed up by greater powers. Frederick’s greatness surely came from the fact that against all the odds he did not allow that to happen and, furthermore, laid the foundations for a nation that in its turn would shake Europe. The Seven Years War was a globally significant conflict, that presented difficult decisions for the vulnerable Prussian, where defeat and destruction were ever possible. It is true that the battles Frederick fought did not all go his way-often as a result of his own errors. Nevertheless, through example, fine leadership, determination, perseverance and resolution Frederick led his nation through campaigns and into battles the significance of which are well regarded by military men, strategists and students of military history to this day.
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