“A king’s ambition etched in stone” might be your first thought as you stand before this sculpture. We are here at the sculptural bust of Frederick I. He was the Elector of Brandenburg and King of Prussia. This bust resides in the Summer Garden of St. Petersburg.
Frederick I, a man of immense historical significance. He was born on July 11, 1657, in Konigsberg. That is now Kaliningrad, Russia. He died on February 25, 1713, in Berlin.
Frederick I’s life was marked by ambition. He wanted to elevate his status. He succeeded his father, Frederick William, as Elector of Brandenburg in 1688. From there he set out to gain a monarch’s crown.
To achieve his goals Frederick I maintained a large court. He also had an army that seemed too big for his lands. He allied with Austria. He also allied with England and Holland against France in European politics.
A key moment arrived on November 16, 1700. Austria and Prussia signed a secret treaty. This allowed Frederick to crown himself King in Prussia. Austria agreed to this elevation. They primarily sought Prussian aid in the war against France. The war was about the Spanish throne succession.
In return, Frederick promised troops. He pledged 8,000 soldiers beyond Prussia’s normal contribution. He also agreed to favor Habsburg candidates in imperial elections. Frederick would vote with Austria on important matters. This was to happen in the German Diet. His coronation took place in Konigsberg on January 18, 1701.
Frederick I remained a loyal ally to Austria during the War of the Spanish Succession. Prussia’s military contribution proved outstanding. However, his territorial rewards were small. Prussia gained Neuchatel and some enclaves on the Rhine.
His elevation to monarchy unified diverse lands. These lands became provinces. Frederick freed his kingdom from imperial judicial control. He boosted revenues. Dutch and French Protestants arrived. They helped create new industries and stimulated intellectual life.
The University of Halle. The Academy of the Arts. The Academy of the Sciences. These institutions contributed to Prussia’s cultural growth. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was the first president of the Academy of Sciences.
So, as you stand before this bust of Frederick I. Remember a shrewd ruler. He elevated Prussia’s status on the European stage. His legacy lived on. His son and grandson transformed Prussia into a great power. He died in Berlin at the age of 55.