What if Fredrick the Great died in childhood, for whatever reason? if we assume his brother would take the throne on the death of Fredrick William I, would he be nearly as competent as Fredrick? Would the War of the Austrian Succession and the subsequent Prussian annexation of Silesia happen, or the Partition of Poland, or Fredrick's bureaucratic and military reforms? (For me, someone not too well versed with 18th century European history, it seems to me that Fredrick himself was very directly influential in many of his policies and actions, and made some rather unorthodox decisions. He seemed much more committed to enlightenment ideals and much more anti-Polish than his contemporaries.)
I'd imagine that without the war, and Austria retaining control of Silesia it would be much better equipped to deal with threats in the early 19th century, more rapid industrialization etc, while Prussia growth and expansion is stunted, to an extent, depending on how effective August William would be.
Also, my first time doing this sort of post. Let me know if I did something wrong.
I'd imagine that without the war, and Austria retaining control of Silesia it would be much better equipped to deal with threats in the early 19th century, more rapid industrialization etc, while Prussia growth and expansion is stunted, to an extent, depending on how effective August William would be.
Also, my first time doing this sort of post. Let me know if I did something wrong.