History of Prussia

Overview

This documentary traces the history of Prussia from its medieval origins with the Teutonic Knights through its rise as a European power, culminating in the unification of Germany in 1871 and Prussia’s enduring legacy.

Early Prussian Origins and the Teutonic Knights

• Prussia began as a remote region inhabited by Baltic pagans called the Old Prussians.
• The Teutonic Knights were invited by Polish leaders to Christianize and subdue the region during the Northern Crusades.
• The Knights established a powerful monastic state and absorbed neighboring territories.
• Tensions developed with Poland and Lithuania, resulting in prolonged conflicts.

Decline of the Teutonic Order and Rise of the Duchy

• The Teutonic Order suffered setbacks in wars with Poland and Lithuania, notably at the Battle of Grunwald (1410).
• The Prussian Confederation of nobles and cities revolted, leading to Prussia’s partition between Poland and the Order.
• In 1525, under Albert of Brandenburg, Prussia secularized and became the first Protestant state as the Duchy of Prussia under Polish suzerainty.

Brandenburg-Prussia and the Hohenzollerns

• Prussia came under the rule of the Hohenzollern family, also rulers of Brandenburg.
• Brandenburg-Prussia endured devastation during the Thirty Years’ War but was revitalized by Frederick William, the Great Elector.
• He established a strong army and achieved sovereignty for Prussia in 1660.

Kingdom of Prussia and Expansion

• Frederick I declared himself King “in” Prussia in 1701 with imperial approval.
• Frederick William I (the “Soldier King”) built a disciplined military and efficient state.
• Frederick II (the Great) expanded Prussia through wars with Austria, securing Silesia and introducing Enlightenment reforms.
• The first partition of Poland (1772) unified Prussian territories.

Prussia in Revolutionary and Napoleonic Europe

• Late 18th-century rulers were less competent, and Prussia lost influence during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
• Prussia suffered major defeats but rebounded after Napoleon’s fall, regaining territory and influencing the new German Confederation.

Road to German Unification

• Nationalism and political reform spread in the 19th century, sparking revolutions and calls for German unity.
• Otto von Bismarck, as Prime Minister, led Prussia through wars against Denmark, Austria, and France, defeating rivals and shaping the North German Confederation.
• Victory in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71) triggered the unification of Germany, with the German Empire proclaimed in 1871 under Prussian leadership.

Prussian Legacy and Modern Relevance

• Prussia continued as a dominant constituent state within the German Empire until its dissolution in 1947.
• Its legacy remains central to German and European history.

Key Conflicts and Turning Points

• Battles and wars: Grunwald (1410), 13 Years’ War, 30 Years’ War, Silesian Wars, Seven Years’ War, Napoleonic Wars, Austro-Prussian, and Franco-Prussian Wars.
• Political shifts: Secularization (1525), establishment of the kingdom (1701), partitions of Poland, creation of German Empire (1871).

Announcements and Channel Updates

• The creator is launching a new science YouTube channel, Lucy Knox, focusing initially on astronomy documentaries.
• Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and support on Patreon and follow on social media.