Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg (b. 1620)
Frederick William (German: Friedrich Wilhelm; 16 February 1620 – 29 April 1688) was Elector of Brandenburg and Duke of Prussia, thus ruler of Brandenburg-Prussia, from 1640 until his death in 1688. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he is popularly known as "the Great Elector" (der Große Kurfürst) because of his military and political achievements. Frederick William was a staunch pillar of the Calvinist faith, associated with the rising commercial class. He saw the importance of trade and promoted it vigorously. His shrewd domestic reforms gave Prussia a strong position in the post-Westphalian political order of north-central Europe, setting Prussia up for elevation from duchy to kingdom, achieved under his son and successor.
1688Apr, 29
Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg
Choose Another Date
Events on 1688
- 10May
Siamese revolution of 1688
King Narai nominates his daughter Sudawadi to succeed him with Constantine Phaulkon, Mom Pi and Phetracha acting as regents. The ensuing revolution leads to the Ayutthaya Kingdom severing all ties with Europe. - 1Nov
Glorious Revolution
William III of Orange sets out a second time from Hellevoetsluis in the Netherlands to seize the crowns of England, Scotland and Ireland from King James II of England during the Glorious Revolution. - 9Nov
William III of England
Glorious Revolution: William of Orange captures Exeter. - 9Dec
Battle of Reading (1688)
Glorious Revolution: Williamite forces defeat Jacobites at Battle of Reading, forcing flight of James II from the country. - 11Dec
James II of England
Glorious Revolution: James II of England, while trying to flee to France, allegedly throws the Great Seal of the Realm into the River Thames.