King of [[Prussia]] from 1740 to 1786, Frederick increased and modernized the Prussian [[army]] and turned Prussia into a [[world power]].
+
King of [[Prussia]] from 1740 to 1786, Frederick increased and modernized the Prussian [[army]] and turned Prussia into a [[world power]]. He fought to oppose Austrian ambitions, and earned a great reputation as a military commander in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740--8).