Frederick the Great, discussion post 6

[cahn]

...I think we need another one (seriously, you guys, this is THE BEST) and I'd better make it now before I disappear into the wilds of music performance.

(also, as of this week there are two Frederician fics in the yuletide archive and eeeeeeeeeee)
(huh, only one of them is actually tagged with Frederick the Great even though two with Maria Theresia and Wilhelmine, eeeeeee this is awesome I CAN'T WAIT)

Frederick the Great masterpost

Comments

Re: Silesia

[selenak]

Okay, have browsed through it now. Context: it's the 1722 Will, meaning: Fritz is ten years old, and while not exactly the apple of his father's eye, things aren't yet as toxic and horrible as they'll soon become. FW sometimes adresses his "dear successor", singular, sometimes all his future successors, plural. This is one micro managing will, detailing as to which regiments and which manufactorers are to be subsided with what money, etc. Also, never ever have misstresses, operas or theatre. Choice excerpts:



God has put you on the throne not to be idle but to work and to rule well, but sadly most monarchs leave the work to their ministers and indulge themselves with mistresses and Sardanapalian lust of the flesh. But I have complete trust in my dear successor that he will follow my example, lead an examplary life and will work hard and thus surely will receive God's blessing.

Of interest re: how FW saw his closest minister:

Regarding the general war commissariat, its President is Grumbkow. He is able and very good at what he does, but also looks out for his own interest. Be polite towards him, but do not share your secrets with him.


re: religion, the Hohenzollern are Calvinists, but Lutherans are cool, too. Then:

Regarding the Catholic religion, according to the Westfalian Peace Treaty and the pact we have with Poland, you have to tolerate it, but do not allow Jesuits in your country, for they are of the devil and do much evil

Jesuits get off lightly, though, compared with one paragraph full of antisemitic drivel about the Jews. Per the standard of the day, sadly, but no less upsetting to read for that.

Now on to the territorial claims of the House of Brandenburg. The relevant passage comes at page 87. FW is now adressing all his successors, plural.

As to what the interests of your house are, I will only lay out the most necessary outlines, for I have led my affairs of state conscientiouisly, and you may consult the archives for further details.

Firstly: our house has a legitimate claim to the succession of Jülich, as well as to the east frisian acceptance of the Succession of Mecklenburg. Our claim is detailed in the secret state archive. (...) These just claims you may pursue with all your might, and do not abandon then, for they are just, and God is with a just cause. Elector Prince Wilhelm has brought the right respect to our house, and my father has brought the dignity of Kings. I restored the country and the army. It is up to you, my successors, to embellish what your ancestors have created, and to pursue the claims of all that belongs to our house in the eyes of God and the law. Pray to God, and never start an unjust war, but where you are in the right, do not relent, for God will bless a just cause, as he will desert an unjust cause. (...)

I ask my dear successor to never start an unjust war and to never be the agressor, for God has forbidden unjust wars, and you will have to justify yourself for every man who died in an unjust war. Remember that God's judgment is strict!

(FW lists examples of unjust wars. These include most campaigns of Louis XIV, btw.)

Recs re: alliances with the other great powers are: good terms with Poland, ensure it remains a republic that gets to elect their leaders, respect their borders. Stay on friendly terms with Russia. England: if you must. We are related, for better or worse, but for God's sake, make them come to you.

Regarding our interests with the Emperor: he is very jealous of our house, because we are now powerful and have such a beautiful army. For a King in Prussia who is of such standing does not have to obey the Emperor's orders, so my dear successor has always to be on guard towowads the House of Austria and the Emperor. Do not provide them with money or troops, as I have done. Then you will do well. (...)

(Yes, FW is pissed off that the Emperor didn't support his claim on Jülich etc. However:)

Regarding France: my successor must never make an alliance with France against the Holy Roman Empire, no matter what they will promise you; just think of the warning examples of the Prince Electors of Bavaria and Cologne.

Nothing about Silesia that I could see.

Re: Silesia

[mildred_of_midgard]

But I have complete trust in my dear successor that he will follow my example, lead an examplary life and will work hard and thus surely will receive God's blessing.

Weeeeell, you're going to get some of your wishes. :P

Nothing about Silesia that I could see.

So typical. I don't drink, but you could almost make a drinking game out of "take a shot every time a citation doesn't say what he says it says." Wow.

The full passage goes: "Brandenburg Prussia had indeed enjoyed rights of succession to Liegnitz, Brieg and Wohlau, which made up about a fifth of Silesia, but these had been renounced during the reign of Frederick’s great-grandfather on the death of the last of the Piasts.³

"Frederick William had suggested Silesia in his 1722 Political Testament. He did not approve the Great Elector's act, or his father’s acquiescence in the interests of the royal title. He had built up the army; there was no question that Frederick was to go out and use it.⁴"

Both 3 and 4 are citations to Schieder, pp. 137-8 and 141. It's possible Schieder has info, but it's also possible that looking him up would just mean an opportunity to take another shot.

Anyway, thanks so much for the write-up! You rock, as always.

Re: Silesia

[cahn]

This is fascinating :D