Frederick William IV of Prussia (b. 1795)

Frederick William IV: The Romantic King of Prussia and Architect of a Shifting Era (1840-1861)

Frederick William IV, born Friedrich Wilhelm IV. on 15 October 1795, was the eldest son and eventual successor to Frederick William III of Prussia. He ascended to the Prussian throne on 7 June 1840 and reigned as King of Prussia until his death on 2 January 1861. A monarch deeply influenced by the Romantic movement, he is often remembered as the "romanticist on the throne" due to his profound appreciation for art, architecture, and the medieval past. His reign was marked by significant building projects in Berlin and Potsdam, and critically, the ambitious completion of the Gothic Cologne Cathedral, a monumental undertaking that resonated deeply with burgeoning German national sentiment.

A Monarch's Architectural Legacy: Building Prussia's Romantic Landscape

Frederick William IV's reign left an indelible architectural mark on Prussia. His vision was to infuse the kingdom with a sense of historical grandeur and artistic beauty, reflecting his personal romantic ideals and reverence for the Middle Ages. This ambition manifested in several iconic projects:

• The Completion of Cologne Cathedral: This Gothic masterpiece, whose construction began in 1248, lay unfinished for centuries. Frederick William IV championed its completion, contributing substantial personal and state funds. His commitment transformed the cathedral into a powerful symbol of nascent German unity and a bridge between Protestant Prussia and its Catholic Rhineland provinces, fostering a sense of shared cultural heritage.
• Transforming Berlin and Potsdam: He commissioned numerous architectural enhancements and new constructions in his capital and residential city. Notable projects included significant additions to Sanssouci Park, such as the Orangerie Palace and the exquisite Friedenskirche (Peace Church), designed to evoke Italianate and medieval styles respectively. He also supported the reconstruction of Stolzenfels Castle on the Rhine, restoring it to a romanticized vision of a medieval knight's fortress. These projects were often collaborative efforts with leading architects of the time, including Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Ludwig Persius, and garden designers like Peter Joseph Lenné.

Navigating Tumultuous Times: Politics, Revolution, and Reform

Politically, Frederick William IV was a staunch conservative who firmly adhered to the principle of the divine right of kings (Gottesgnadentum). This belief in his God-given authority guided his policies, even as he faced increasing pressures for liberal reforms.

• Early Reign and Initial Gestures: Upon his accession, he adopted a seemingly moderate stance, easing some press censorship and seeking reconciliation with the Catholic population in Prussia's western provinces. These gestures were largely pragmatic attempts to appease growing liberal discontent and mend relations strained by previous religious conflicts, such as the "Cologne Mixed Marriage Dispute." However, these were limited concessions, not a fundamental shift towards constitutionalism.
• The German Revolutions of 1848–1849: The widespread revolutionary wave that swept across Europe in 1848 presented a profound challenge to his rule. In March 1848, facing violent uprisings in Berlin, he initially appeared to yield to revolutionary demands, even parading through the streets wearing the revolutionary black, red, and gold colours and promising a constitution. This was a tactical maneuver to regain control.
• Rejection of the Imperial Crown: A pivotal moment occurred in 1849 when the Frankfurt Parliament, Germany's first democratically elected national assembly, offered him the title of "Emperor of the Germans." Frederick William IV famously rejected this "gilded crown of dirt and mud" or "crown from the gutter." His refusal stemmed from his conviction that such an offer, originating from popular sovereignty rather than from the grace of God or the consent of fellow German princes, would fundamentally undermine his divine right and the legitimacy of the existing monarchical order.
• Suppression of Revolutions: After consolidating his power, he deployed Prussian military forces to decisively crush the remaining revolutionary uprisings throughout the German Confederation, most notably in Saxony (the Dresden Uprising) and Baden, reasserting traditional authority.

Prussia's Evolving Structure and Strategic Acquisitions

Following the tumultuous revolutionary period, Frederick William IV navigated Prussia towards a new political reality:

• The Prussian Constitution of 1850: Though he rejected a crown from the people, he did grant Prussia a constitution in 1850. This document formally established Prussia as a constitutional monarchy, but it was a conservative charter. While creating a bicameral parliament, the highly restrictive three-class franchise (Dreiklassenwahlrecht) ensured that political power remained heavily concentrated in the hands of the wealthy elite and conservative factions, severely limiting genuine popular representation.
• Acquisition of Wilhelmshaven: In a move with significant long-term strategic implications for Prussian naval power, Frederick William IV secured the Jade Treaty in 1853 with the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. This agreement led to Prussia acquiring a vital coastal territory, which enabled the establishment of its first major naval port at Wilhelmshaven on the North Sea. This foresight was crucial for Prussia's eventual emergence as a dominant European power.

Final Years and Succession

From 1857 onward, Frederick William IV suffered a series of debilitating strokes that left him increasingly incapacitated. His profound illness necessitated his brother, Wilhelm, to assume the duties of regent in 1858. Frederick William IV remained largely incapacitated until his death on 2 January 1861. His brother, Wilhelm, the heir-presumptive, then succeeded him as King Wilhelm I, who would later become the first German Emperor in 1871, presiding over the unification of Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick William IV

Who was Frederick William IV?

Frederick William IV (1795-1861) was the King of Prussia from 1840 to 1861, known for his Romantic sensibilities, his significant architectural patronage, and his conservative political stance during a period of major social and political upheaval in Europe, particularly the German Revolutions of 1848-1849.

Why was he called the "romanticist on the throne"?

He earned this moniker due to his deep personal interest in art, history, and particularly medieval architecture, characteristic of the Romantic movement of his era. He invested heavily in cultural projects, most notably the completion of the Cologne Cathedral and extensive building in Berlin and Potsdam, reflecting his artistic vision and appreciation for historical grandeur.

What was his role in the completion of Cologne Cathedral?

Frederick William IV was instrumental in the completion of the Cologne Cathedral. He revived and significantly funded the long-stalled construction project, viewing it as a symbol of German national pride and unity. His commitment, both financial and personal, was crucial in bringing the centuries-long construction to its impressive conclusion.

Why did Frederick William IV reject the imperial crown offered by the Frankfurt Parliament?

He rejected the title of "Emperor of the Germans" in 1849 because he believed it was offered by a popular assembly (the Frankfurt Parliament) rather than by divine right or the consent of other legitimate German princes. He saw accepting a "crown from the gutter" as a betrayal of his sacred monarchical principles and a legitimization of revolutionary popular sovereignty.

What was the Prussian Constitution of 1850?

The Prussian Constitution of 1850 was a document granted by Frederick William IV after the 1848 revolutions. While it established a bicameral parliament, it was a conservative constitution that retained significant power for the monarch and the aristocracy. Notably, its highly restrictive three-class voting system (Dreiklassenwahlrecht) ensured limited democratic representation, favoring wealth and traditional power structures.