Karin Friedrich locates Brandenburg-Prussia in its historical, political, religious and economic context, from the demise of the Teutonic Knights to the Napoleonic crisis. Synthesising debates, the study focuses on key themes such as absolutism, foreign politics and the Enlightenment in order to provide a fresh reassessment.
A selection of the diverse printed, manuscript and visual materials relating to emergence of Brandenburg-Prussia as a monarchy and acknowledged power in Europe, are made available here for the first time. Featuring descriptions by the court poet, Johann von Besser, of Friedrich III's coronation as King of Prussia in 1701, and the festivities surrounding the event, the volume offers valuable insights into a key stage in the political and cultural history of Brandenburg-Prussia, the consequences of which exercised a crucial impact on the development of Germany and the history of Europe.
Exploring the concept of national identity, this study focuses on Royal Prussia, a unique region of the Polish state from 1454 to 1793. It delves into the historical and cultural dynamics that shaped the identity of its inhabitants, distinguishing it from the more commonly recognized Prussia. The book examines how political, social, and cultural influences contributed to a distinct sense of belonging and identity during a period of significant change in the region.