The Rise of Brandenburg-Prussia to 1786

by Sidney Bradshaw Fay

Rise Of Brandenburg Prussia To 1786

Genres: History

158 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Skallagrimsen]

In the beginning of the 17th century, Brandenburg was an insignificant principality in northeastern Germany; its reigning dynasty, the Hohenzollerns, ruled over a poor, barren territory that commanded few resources. Lacking natural borders, it found itself ever at the mercy of more powerful neighbors, such as Saxony and Sweden. Brandenburg’s capital, Berlin, was little more than an obscure village, of which few Germans, let alone foreigners, had so much as even heard.

But by the dawn of the 18th century, Brandenburg had become a military and political powerhouse, universally acknowledged, along with Britain, Austria and France, as one of the leading states of Europe. The Hohenzollerns had elevated themselves to the status of kings, ruling over a large complex of rich, strategic territories that stretched from the Rhineland to Poland. As the epicenter of this empire, Berlin had come to rival Paris and London in prestige and fame, and was well upon its way to becoming the capital of the modern, unified German state.

The Rise of Brandenburg-Prussia to 1786 offers a clear, concise overview of this remarkable metamorphosis, from the far-sighted social and legislative policies of the “Great Elector” Frederick William (1620-1688), to the “enlightened despot” and German national hero, Frederick the Great (1712-1786). It provides both an accessible introduction for the layman interested in this essential chapter of German history, and a decent refresher course for the lapsed historian looking to dive back into the subject.

Almost identically-titled, The Rise of Brandenburg-Prussia 1618-1740, by Margaret Shennan, covers the much same ground, and even more concisely. It is also recommended.

[Becca Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for the understanding of the roots of Prussia.

[C.K. Mackenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated. So unbelievably dated.