Frederick William I

Frederick William I (1688-1740) was the King of Prussia from 1713 until his death. Known as the "Soldier King," he significantly strengthened the Prussian military and established a professional army. He focused on fiscal management, promoting a more efficient government and improving the economy. Frederick William I was also known for his austere lifestyle and emphasis on discipline, contrasting with the opulence of other European monarchs. His reign laid the groundwork for Prussia's rise as a major power in Europe, and his military reforms influenced future conflicts, making Prussia a formidable opponent in subsequent wars.