Frederick the Great: The Enlightened Despot
Frederick II was a rather unique absolute monarch. He was the "first servant of the state" that enacted a number of reforms for Prussia. He abolished the use of torture except for the crimes of treason and murder. In the interest of his nation's economic health, he promoted favorable policies for industry and agriculture. Further, he established state elementary schools to improve education. He frequently corresponded with Voltaire, the famous French enlightenment thinker, exchanging ideas. Here is an excerpt from a letter he wrote to Voltaire: "My chief occupation is to fight the ignorances and the prejucices in this country...I must enlighten my people, cultivate their manners and morals, and make them as happy as the means at my disposal permit me me to make them."
Frederick the Great was also in part responsible for establishing Prussia as a major military power in Europe. He built a large and efficient Prussian military and succeeded in invading the territory of Silesia from Austria-Hungary. His father, Frederick I, began building the Prussian military years earlier by recruiting (and kidnapping) some of the tallest men in Europe for the army. He believed that tall men were stronger and had more stamina. His strict military discipline and training was imparted to Frederick II. Frederick the Great's military ability influenced the German military tradition of excellence into the 20th Century.