Frederick William IV of Prussia - Potsdam, Germany
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Bernd das Brot Team
N 52° 24.293 E 013° 01.793
33U E 365980 N 5807897
The Romantic on the Prussian Thron
Waymark Code: WM2C2N
Location: Brandenburg, Germany
Date Posted: 10/09/2007
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member silverquill
Views: 202
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Frederick William IV of Prussia, also called "The Romantic on the Thron" was one of the lesser known German monarchs, certainly not as famous as his brother, Wilhem I who in 1871 became the first Kaiser of the German Empire. However, having been the Prussian King from 1840 - 1861, he ruled one of Germany's largest states (Prussia) during one of Germany's most decisive moments: the Revolution of 1848. When revolution broke out in Prussia in March 1848, part of the larger Revolutions of 1848, the king initially moved to repress it with the army, but later decided to recall the troops and place himself at the head of the movement on March 19. He committed himself to German unification, formed a liberal government, convened a national assembly, and ordered that a Constitution of the Kingdom of Prussia be drawn up.

Once his position was more secure again, however, he quickly had the army reoccupy Berlin and dissolved the assembly in December. He did, however, remain dedicated to unification for a time, leading the Frankfurt Parliament to offer him the crown of Germany on April 3, 1849, which he refused, purportedly saying that he would not accept "a crown made of mud and clay". In 1861, he resigned for health reasons and his Brother, Wilhem I became King of Prussia and ten years later the first German Emperor.

The statue is located in front of the Orangery Castle in the Parks of Sansoucci. The Orangery was largely inspired by Frederick William IV and was largely built under his reign.

Monarch Ranking: King / Queen

Proper Title and Name of Monarch: King Frederick William IV of Prussia

Country or Empire of Influence: Prussia

Website for additonal information: [Web Link]
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