ABSTRACT
The young prince had a good education and learned, besides German, Latin, French, Dutch and Polish as well. Sweden’s army had found the war in Germany most profitable and craved for a new one. Frederick William’s tergiversations and his support of Germany’s main enemy have often been criticized. They must, however, be judged against the background of the time. In the seventeenth century, German national sentiment was dormant and awakened only under great provocation. King Frederick I showed a great interest in art and science. His father had already engaged German and foreign scholars and artists, and the influx of the French Protestants brought many famous men to Berlin, who had a great share in creating a very active intellectual life. In certain respects the king made use of his power in the most ruthless way, particularly in enlisting soldiers by force. The King’s temper often induced him to commit the greatest brutalities against members of his family and others.
