ABSTRACT
In Prussia Frederick II was succeeded by his nephew Frederick William II who was, in every respect, his opposite. He was a friendly man without his uncle’s intellect and energy, more devoted to women than to strenuous work, who largely left the government to favourites. Frederick’s autocracy had also aroused much resentment, particularly among the officials, and the new government therefore introduced various reforms tending to convert the administration from an autocratic into a bureaucratic regime. King Frederick William III regarded peace as his highest aim and set internal reforms in the interest of the lower classes above glory and power, and Germany’s national security. A wave of patriotism rose in South Germany, and the Imperial government took energetic steps against German princes who saw in France their protector against the Emperor. Napoleon’s vassals in South Germany and on the Rhine received further great favours.
