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2024-09-22 08:20:01

Frederick William III of Prussia

King of Prussia during Napoleonic Wars
King of Prussia during Napoleonic Wars

Frederick William III of Prussia ruled during Napoleonic Wars. He joined Sixth Coalition against Napoleon in 1813 and participated in Congress of Vienna. He aimed to reform Prussia's Protestant churches and centralized royal control.

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1770-08-03
Birth of Frederick William III

Frederick William III, the future King of Prussia, was born in Potsdam on August 3, 1770. He was known for his shy and reserved nature from a young age.

1785
Obtains Lieutenancy in Prussian Army

In 1785, Frederick William III obtained a Lieutenancy in the Prussian Army, marking the beginning of his military career.

1790
Achieved rank of Colonel

In 1790, Frederick William III achieved the rank of Colonel, showcasing his advancement within the military hierarchy.

1793-12-24
Marriage to Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

On December 24, 1793, Frederick William married Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and they had ten children. Their marriage was problem-free and greatly admired by the Prussian people, enhancing the popularity of the House of Hohenzollern.

1795
Purchase of Paretz Estate

In 1795, Frederick William purchased the Paretz estate from his boyhood friend and transformed it into a significant royal country retreat. This estate held sentimental value for him as he had spent a happy part of his childhood there.

1797-11-16
Reign of Frederick William III

Frederick William III ascended to the throne as the King of Prussia on 16 November 1797. He ruled until his death in 1840.

1802-11-16
Frederick William Succeeds the Throne

Frederick William became the King of Prussia on 16 November 1802 after the death of his great uncle Frederick Henry I. He immediately started implementing reforms and cutting down expenses.

1805
Neutrality Policy in Revolutionary Wars

Initially, Frederick William and his advisors attempted to pursue a neutrality policy in the Revolutionary Wars, successfully staying out of the Third Coalition in 1805.

1806-10
Prussia's Entry into the War

In October 1806, Frederick William of Prussia was swayed by the queen's pro-war stance and decided to enter the war, abandoning the neutrality policy initially pursued in the Revolutionary Wars.

1807
Prussia's Loss of Provinces West of the Elbe River

After the military collapse of 1806–07, Prussia lost all provinces west of the Elbe River, leading to a realization that decisive changes were necessary.

1810
Death of Queen Louise of Prussia

Queen Louise of Prussia passed away in 1810, causing great mourning in the country.

1813
Frederick William III of Prussia turns against France and allies with Russia

In 1813, after Napoleon's defeat in Russia, Frederick William III of Prussia changed his stance towards France and formed an alliance with Russia.

1815
Congress of Vienna and territorial gains for Prussia

At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Frederick William III of Prussia's ministers successfully secured significant territorial expansions for Prussia.

1817
Prussian Union of Churches

Frederick William III aimed to centralize royal control over all Protestant churches in Prussia through the establishment of the Prussian Union of Churches.

1820
Preussischer Präsentiermarsch

Around 1820, the Preussischer Präsentiermarsch occurred. It was a ceremonial presentation march associated with the Prussian military.

1824
Dedication of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to Frederick William III

In 1824, Beethoven dedicated his Ninth Symphony to Frederick William III, showcasing the king's influence and importance in the cultural sphere.

1834
Formation of the United Church of Prussia

Frederick William III aimed to unify the Protestant churches in Prussia, resulting in the merging of Lutheran and Calvinist confessions to form the United Church of Prussia. This move faced significant opposition, leading to coercive measures against the Lutheran minority.

1838
Distribution of Farmland to Protestant Refugees

In 1838, King Frederick William III distributed farmland to 422 Protestant refugees from the Austrian Zillertal at Erdmannsdorf Estate. The refugees built Tyrolean style farmhouses in the Silesian village.

1840-06-07
Death of Frederick William III

Frederick William III passed away on June 7, 1840, in Berlin due to a fever. His death marked the succession of his eldest son, Frederick William IV.

2024-03-04
Last Updated Information on Frederick William III

The article on Frederick William III was last updated on March 4, 2024, by the editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica.

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Frederick William III of Prussia
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