While modern monarchs undergo military training and often carry out military service, they rarely serve in battle. Historically, many monarchs would lead their troops in battle. King Frederick II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, would become known for his military leadership and theory.Â
Frederick inherited the Prussian throne in 1740; at that time, he held a fairly disconnected group of lands. To solidify his holdings and strengthen Prussia, he pursued a number of territories. During his reign, he led the Prussian army himself in battle several times.
His first battle was the Battle of Mollwitz in 1741 where he actually ended up fleeing the battlefield. The Prussian army was still successful, though.
Frederick led Prussia at the Battle of Chotusitz, the Battle of Hohenfriedberg, the Battle of Soor, the Battle of Lobositz, and the Battle of Prague, amongst others.
It was not until the Battle of Kolin in 1757 that Frederick encountered his first significant defeat.
In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Frederick was lauded for his strong military capabilities and leadership. The Nazi party co-opted his image, linking him to Hitler as a predecessor, with his legacy somewhat tarnished because of that.
However, some historians have rehabilitated his reputation and although he is perhaps not the most discussed monarch of times past, Frederick is still recognised by scholars for his robust military capabilities and well-developed military theory.Â
