Frederick William I
The drillmaster who whipped a kingdom into an army.
via Wikipedia: Guelphs and Ghibellines · see source
Frederick William I is a historical figure known as the 'Soldier King' who reigned as King in Prussia and Elector of Brandenburg during the early 18th century. He prioritized military strength above all else, reorganizing the army and enforcing strict discipline. He also centralized the state's administration, curbing the power of the nobility and filling key posts with loyal bureaucrats.
Lore & Background
Frederick William I inherited a fragmented and war-torn Brandenburg-Prussia in the early 1700s.
Reader's Guide
Frederick William I appears as a ruler for Prussia in Europa Universalis, typically starting in the early 18th century scenario. His reign is characterized by high military tradition and strong army bonuses, reflecting his historical focus on military reform. Players controlling Prussia under him should prioritize building a powerful, disciplined army and investing in military technology and ideas. His rule also brings challenges: domestic stability may suffer due to his austere policies and heavy taxation to fund the military.
Diplomatically, Prussia is often surrounded by larger, hostile powers like Austria and Russia. A successful strategy involves leveraging Prussia's superior army quality to punch above its weight, using careful alliances and opportunistic wars to expand territory. Frederick William I's reign is a pivotal moment for Prussia. Players can use his unique bonuses to establish Prussia as a great power, setting the stage for his son, Frederick the Great, to lead the nation to even greater heights.
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