History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Volume 16

History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Volume 16

Friedrich II of Prussia, having achieved significant military victories, enters a period of relative peace, marked by his desire to avoid further conflict and focus on internal reforms. This era, often referred to as the Halcyon Period, spans approximately ten years, during which Friedrich aims to consolidate his gains and improve the administration of his kingdom. He is determined to maintain peace, believing that his enemies, particularly Austria, have had enough of conflict with him. During this time, Friedrich engages in various domestic reforms, notably in law and administration. He initiates a comprehensive law reform project, aiming to streamline the legal system and ensure justice is delivered efficiently. This effort is spearheaded by his Chief Law Minister, Cocceji, who is tasked with eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring that lawsuits are resolved within a year. Friedrich's commitment to these reforms reflects his broader vision of a modern state, where the rule of law prevails. Despite his aspirations for peace, tensions begin to resurface in Europe, foreshadowing future conflicts. Friedrich's hopes for a lasting peace are challenged by the emergence of new threats, particularly from Austria, which is determined to reclaim Silesia. The narrative highlights the complexities of Friedrich's reign, as he navigates both internal reforms and external pressures. The text also delves into Friedrich's personal life, including his relationships with prominent figures such as Voltaire. Their correspondence and interactions reveal a dynamic of mutual respect and intellectual engagement, although tensions occasionally arise due to differing perspectives on governance and personal ambition. Voltaire's visits to Friedrich's court are marked by both admiration and underlying conflicts, particularly regarding the influence of court politics and the expectations placed upon them. As the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that Friedrich's attempts to maintain peace and implement reforms are increasingly complicated by the shifting political landscape in Europe. The looming threat of renewed warfare, particularly the potential for a Third Silesian War, casts a shadow over his achievements and aspirations. The text captures the tension between Friedrich's desire for stability and the realities of a volatile geopolitical environment, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead in his reign. In summary, this volume chronicles Friedrich II's efforts to consolidate power during a period of peace, his ambitious reforms, and the complex interplay of personal and political relationships, all while foreshadowing the conflicts that will ultimately test his leadership and vision for Prussia.

By Thomas Carlyle · First published 1864 · Genre: Biography, History, Political Science · 15 chapters · 134,957 words

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Friedrich has now climbed the heights, and sees himself on the upper table-land of Victory and Success; his desperate life-and-death struggles triumphantly ended. What may be ahead, nobody knows; but here is fair outlook that his enemies and Austria itself have had enough of him. No wringing of his Silesia from this "bad Man. " Not to be overset, this one, by never such exertions; oversets US, on the contrary, plunges us heels-over-head into the ditch, so often as we like to apply to him; nothing but heavy beatings, disastrous breaking of crowns, to be had on trying there! "Five Victories! " as Voltaire keeps counting on his fingers, with upturned eyes, -- Mollwitz, Chotusitz, Striegau, Sohr, Kesselsdorf (the last done by Anhalt; but omitting Hennersdorf, and that sudden slitting of the big Saxon-Austrian Projects into a cloud of feathers, as fine a feat as any), -- "Five Victories! " counts Voltaire; calling on everybody (or everybody but Friedrich himself, who is easily sated with that kind of thing) to admire. In the world are many opinions about Friedrich. In Austria, for instance, what an opinion; sinister, gloomy in the extreme: or in England, which derives from Austria, -- only with additional dimness, and with gloomy new provocations of its own before long! Many opinions about Friedrich, all dim enough: but this, that he is a very demon for fighting, and the stoutest King walking the Earth just now, may well be a universal one. A man better not be meddled with, if he will be at peace, as he professes to wish being.

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Prussia · Friedrich II · history · biography · military · politics · enlightenment · leadership · 18th century · European history · reforms · war

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