Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, known as Frederick the Great (1712-86). King of Prussia. As a boy he was forced to undergo military training by his father, Frederick William I, and was threatened with death when he tried to escape to France. He succeeded his father as king in 1740, inheriting his well-disciplined army, and immediately attacked Austria, securing Silesia in 1745. During the Seven Years War against the Austrians (1756-63) his military genius made Prussia a major European power. At home he encouraged agriculture, industry, and trade and improved education. He was also a great patron of the arts and culture.
