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 Frederick William IV of Prussia - Berlin, Germany
N 52° 31.214 E 013° 23.924
33U E 391354 N 5820107
The Romantic on the Prussian Thron
Waymark Code: WMKE94
Location: Berlin, Germany
Date Posted: 03/30/2014
Views: 53
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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, Wilhelm 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. |
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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, Wilhelm I became King of Prussia and ten years later the first German Emperor.
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The statue, showing the king riding his horse, is located in front of the Old National Galery. Frederick William IV, who had studied architecture and was a friend of famous architect Schinkel had designed the building when he was still the Prussian crown prince.
At the four corners of the pedestal are four smaller statues, representing the four passions of the king: Religion, Poetry, History and Philosophy.
The monument is made of bronze and was created in 1886 by sculptor Alexander Calandrelli. It is considered his most famous piece. |
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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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Visit Instructions:Waymark Visitor - Must either
- Provide a photo at the Statue
- Answer a related question, if available, as posted on the Waymark description to the satistfaction of the Owner
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