Frederick William I 1688-1740
King of Prussia

Born in Berlin, he succeeded his father, Frederick I, in 1713. Boorishly contemptuous of art and learning, but thrifty and practical, he had a passion for soldiering which brought him Swedish Pomerania, with Stettin. He laid the foundation of the future power of Prussia by establishing a centralized hierarchy of administrative offices and an efficient army which he increased to 80,000 men. He encouraged native industries, particularly wool (to clothe the army), did away with vestiges of the old feudal system, introduced compulsory primary education, resettled his eastern provinces, and pursued a policy of religious toleration. He was succeeded by his son Frederick II, the Great.