Difference between revisions of "Prussia"
(add) |
(complicated history :-) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | '''Prussia''' | + | '''Prussia''' is best known to have been a [[German]] state in eastern Europe dating back to the union of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg (with its capital [[Berlin]]) in 1618. It became a kingdom in 1701, and by military prowess became a major power under [[Frederick the Great]]. It expanded rapidly, winning new territory after each major war. Later, under Chancellor [[Otto von Bismark]] Prussia defeated Denmark, Austria and France, and in 1871 and became the core of a new German empire. The Prussian king became the German Kaiser (emperor). Prussians dominated the new Germany, and began a [[Kulturkampf]] ("culture war") against the Catholics in Germany. Prussia was long synonymous with militarism (military control of the government) and a very high degree of military professionalism. Dominating politics were the rich landowners in the east known as "Junkers." The Junkers supported rapid industrialization in order to support a strong army and navy. |
The Prussian monarchy was abolished in 1918 just before the end of [[World War I]]. Prussia continued as a province of Germany until 1945, when it was dissolved by the Allies after [[World War II]], and the oldest eastern part was divided between Poland and Russia. | The Prussian monarchy was abolished in 1918 just before the end of [[World War I]]. Prussia continued as a province of Germany until 1945, when it was dissolved by the Allies after [[World War II]], and the oldest eastern part was divided between Poland and Russia. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The history of the Duchy of Prussia prior to 1618 is complicated, too. The area, which laid outside of the [[German Empire]], was conquered by the Teutonic Knights, who followed an invitation of the [[Masovia|Masovian]] Duke Konrad I. | ||
[[category:European History]] | [[category:European History]] | ||
[[Category:Medieval History]] | [[Category:Medieval History]] | ||
[[Category:German History]] | [[Category:German History]] | ||
Revision as of 19:27, March 29, 2009
Prussia is best known to have been a German state in eastern Europe dating back to the union of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg (with its capital Berlin) in 1618. It became a kingdom in 1701, and by military prowess became a major power under Frederick the Great. It expanded rapidly, winning new territory after each major war. Later, under Chancellor Otto von Bismark Prussia defeated Denmark, Austria and France, and in 1871 and became the core of a new German empire. The Prussian king became the German Kaiser (emperor). Prussians dominated the new Germany, and began a Kulturkampf ("culture war") against the Catholics in Germany. Prussia was long synonymous with militarism (military control of the government) and a very high degree of military professionalism. Dominating politics were the rich landowners in the east known as "Junkers." The Junkers supported rapid industrialization in order to support a strong army and navy.
The Prussian monarchy was abolished in 1918 just before the end of World War I. Prussia continued as a province of Germany until 1945, when it was dissolved by the Allies after World War II, and the oldest eastern part was divided between Poland and Russia.
The history of the Duchy of Prussia prior to 1618 is complicated, too. The area, which laid outside of the German Empire, was conquered by the Teutonic Knights, who followed an invitation of the Masovian Duke Konrad I.
