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'''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.

'''Prussia''' was a former [[Germany|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.