German Rulers
Ary Swaminathan German Rulers: Prussian Rulers: Frederick William (The Great Elector) Used military force and taxation to unify Rhine, Prussia, and Brandenburg. Weakened Junkers. Encouraged Prussian militarism. Created the best army in Europe and efficient bureaucracy. Frederick the Great 1740-1786 Protestant War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) expanded Prussia into a great power, seized Silesia. Religious freedom, promoted education, legal reform, and economic growth Allowed the Junker nobility to keep the middle-class from power. Repressed Jews. Did not help serfs. Otto von Bismarck Junker politician who wanted power. Became chief minister in 1862 Blood and Iron policy Real Politique Neutralized Russia and France