Frederick William III, King of Prussia, 1770-1840

Variant names

Dates:

Birth 1770-08-03

Death 1840-07-07

Nationality: Germans,

Language: German,

Biographical notes:

Husband of Queen Louise.

From the description of Autograph signature to document : Berlin, 1800 Mar. 4. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270752600

Frederick William III was King of Prussia during the Napoleonic era. At first, he tried to remain neutral, but eventually declared war and was soundly defeated at Jena by the French army. Humiliated, he later joined the Russian alliance that defeated Napoleon. A rather weak ruler, his experiences convinced him of the need for change, and he appointed Ministers such as Hardenburg, Scharnhorst, and Stein, whose social and military reforms formed the basis for a modern Prussia.

From the description of Frederick William III letter to Maria Edgeworth, 1835 April 27. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 53313351