Frederick William III of Prussia came to power during a particularly difficult time. He spent most of the early part of his kingly career repairing the abuses of his father, Frederick William II, and attempting to tread the line of neutrality between France and the rest of Europe. At age twenty-three he married Louise of Mecklenburg, who famously wept when Napoleon Bonaparte later annexed her home province, despite the Queen’s pleas. Together, he and Louise had ten children, several of whom would go on to be prestigious players on the European stage. Although he lived during one of the most exciting eras in history, Frederick William III’s true legacy seems to be the children, and grandchildren, he left behind, several of whom would later reshape the face of Europe.
| Born in Potsdam to Frederick William II of Prussia and Frederika Louisa of Hesse-Darmstadt. | |
| Grand Tour of Europe with brother Prince Heinrich and childhood friend, son of Count Hans von Blumenthal. | |
| Obtains Lieutenancy in Prussian Army. | |
| Achieved rank of Colonel. | |
| Took part in campaigns against France. | |
| Marries Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz on Christmas Eve. They would have ten children. | |
| Birth of stillborn daughter. | |
| Buys country estate of Paretz where he spent most of childhood. | |
| Birth of Frederick William IV of Prussia. | |
| Succeeds his father as king of Prussia. Begins making reforms to court life. | |
| Birth of William I, German Emperor. | |
| Birth of Princess Charlotte of Prussia, later married Nicholas I of Russia. | |
| Birth of Princess Frederica of Prussia, died in childhood (30th March, 1800). | |
| Birth of Prince Charles of Prussia. | |
| Birth of Princess Alexandrine of Prussia. | |
| Birth of Prince Ferdinand of Prussia, died in childhood (1st April, 1806). | |
| Prussia enters the war against France. Defeat at the Battle of Jena. Royal family flees to Alexander I of Russia. | |
| Birth of Princess Louise of Prussia, later married Prince Frederik of the Netherlands. | |
| Birth of Prince Albert (Albrecht) of Prussia. | |
| Death of Queen Louise. | |
| Signs alliance with Russia at Kalitz against France. | |
| Prussia plays key role in victories against France. Frederick William III travels with Alexander I and Francis of Austria. | |
| Congress of Vienna. | |
| Marries Countess Auguste von Harrach, Princess of Liegnitz (morganatic marriage). | |
| Dies on June 7th, Berlin. Succeeded by eldest son Frederick William IV. |
| Victorious general who rose to power during the French Revolution. Crowned himself Emperor and restored France to greatness. | |
| Talleyrand | Apostate bishop who organized Civil Constitution of Clergy. Stayed in favor during regime changes from the Estates General to the Restoration. |
| Austrian statesman who was influential in bringing about a long lasting peace in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. Hosted Congresss of Vienna. | |
| Became first king of a United Italy after Garibaldi handed over control of Naples. Previously Savoyard King of Sardinia. | |
| Leader of Russia during the Napoleonic Wars. | |
| First Kaiser of a United German Empire. With Bismarck as Chancellor, defeated Austria and France. |